Getting a high value out of the architecture can be difficult with many different business priorities. Oddly enough funding from each department can get in the way of an overall IT Architecture. This can cause a compartmentalized server arrangement which drives the cost through the roof. The Business structure is another strong force in funding and thus a force in creating the best value in IT architecture.
To structure an appropriate IT Architecture there needs to be an investment in the IT Architecture up front. This investment can lower the total cost of IT as more departments have their business needs fulfilled: a CRM package for Sales, Ecommerce applications for Customer Service, Business Intelligence for all departments. By consolidation and virtualization of IT resources your total costs will actually be lowered in the long run.