This presentation explores the challenges and approaches for effective semantic systems development. We explore the ROI of semantic systems which are primarily based on agility, flexibility, and information quality. While best practices in traditional database-driven systems development life cycle (SDLC) may still be relevant to semantic systems development, there are important differences between them. We elaborate the success factors to consider with examples of different enterprise solutions: ecommerce site, social network analysis, semantic search engine, and risk management. The audience will walk away understanding the critical first steps and on-going management needed to deliver an enterprise semantic system.