I've run into a number of cases where IT at studios bends over backwards to avoid having to deal with new software of any complexity, period. In general however the CG supervisor at any studio is the ultimate authority in what software is used in the pipeline. IT has a voice, but they don't produce the product, they are there to make that production possible.
If the CG sup says I can use a tool, then IT had better damned well get on board or that sup should tear them a new one. But adding Softimage into the mix at a maya-only studio is not a casual decision, either. It's entirely within the studios right to dictate to their artists what tools are or are not used, and the artists must respect that with an understanding that staying within the pipeline is important. In short - who says you can use Softimage? If they say you can, have them tell IT to give you the support you need. If IT refuses, escalate the issue to the highest level you can until something is done, even if it means the decision to use Softimage is put in question... A studio where IT rolls over artists instead of enabling the, has problems, call attention to it.
