Using the Gartner TIME Framework for Application Rationalization

This guide presents the Gartner TIME framework, which is a methodology for application rationalization. The framework categorizes applications into four quadrants: Tolerate, Invest, Migrate, and Eliminate, based on their technical and functional fit within an organization. The guide outlines the assessment process for determining the fit of each application, emphasizing the importance of both technical quality and alignment with business needs. It details the characteristics of each quadrant, explaining that applications with high technical fit but low functional fit are categorized as Tolerate, while those with high fit in both areas are classified as Invest. The guide also discusses best practices for managing applications within these categories, including monitoring Tolerate applications for risk, supporting Invest applications to maximize their value, and re-evaluating the status of applications over time. The document serves as a comprehensive resource for organizations looking to optimize their application portfolios.