Optimization is a structured, systematic process for assessing an organization's IT infrastructure and platform across capabilities in order to provide an optimization roadmap toward a Dynamic IT. The roadmap helps companies to define and implement optimization initiatives that will enable proactive, IT management and deliver cost and risk reductions across the IT organization. These optimization initiatives also enhance user needs and user experience in order to increase productivity and amplify the impact of employees. Optimization enables a business to realize the full value of its IT infrastructure and platform investments and establishes IT as a strategic business asset that can facilitate innovation and help organizations respond quickly to change.

In order to help customers assess the effectiveness and potential of their IT infrastructure and platform, create agility, and reduce costs, Microsoft® has developed three Optimization models based on industry and analyst work. Optimization can be viewed in three perspectives:

Microsoft has developed a compelling white paper titled, "Taking the Lead: Gaining a Competitive Advantage Through an Optimized Infrastructure and Platform," that explains Optimization in detail and describes the competitive advantages and business value of infrastructure and platform Optimization.