Deprived of tools and data intelligence they've helped deploy within other business functions, IT executives find their departments overextended and themselves flying blind. Now, tech pros are embracing portfolio and project management, as well as best practices frameworks, to align IT with business objectives. But will old habits die hard?

Vendors promise to put business staff in charge of rules, but do you really want users messing with mission-critical apps? Here's how Freddie Mac, LexisNexis, STW Fixed Income Management and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona are balancing responsibilities for creating and maintaining business rules.