McKinsey offices, except for BTO, are defined by geography. We are defined by our purpose – helping companies use information technology to further their business goals.

McKinsey tried to build a major IT consulting capability in different ways in the past – through acquisition, and then through the creation of an IT practice. But these approaches could not achieve sufficient scale to ensure long-term success. So our leadership decided a different approach was necessary, and created a global office dedicated to IT issues. This development provided the BTO with the necessary firm infrastructure and support.

The BTO has flourished for two reasons:

	Specialization. Building a major capability quickly requires leaders who are committed to building it. Any partner wishing to be part of the Business Technology Office has had to commit themselves by transferring 100 percent into the office.
	Global scale. Technology is a global discipline that is moving quickly, and is too complex for any individual to master. A single global office has the scale to sponsor knowledge-development initiatives that gives us the necessary understanding of the industry and of emerging business and technology trends.