“Performance” is defined as the throughput of business transactions compared to user needs, expectations or requirements. IT performance risk is the risk that a company’s IT infrastructure will be unable to perform at required levels due to inferior internal operating practices, technology and/or external relationships that threaten the demand for the organization's products or services. If an organization cannot scale its systems to handle peak loads, end users may become aggravated and not visit the system again.

This tool outlines leading practices and questions for an organization to consider when evaluating its IT performance.