The Transformation of the CIO in 2010
Posted on Mon, Dec 06, 2010
I came acro
ss a recent article from InformationWeek’s Bob Evans titled ‘Top 10 Stories of the Year #9: The CIO Transformation’ and I think it’s very relevant as we move into 2011. The CIO of the boardroom today has significantly evolved and changed the way companies do business, and Evans points out a few relevant points to keep in mind as the year comes to an end.
The modern day CIO isn’t stuck in the ‘IT ghetto’ as Evans recalls; the role has become more pivotal and crucial in every business decision made. The CIO is in high demand and carries deep clout because CEOs want more answers and a faster workforce. Our nation’s economic turbulence is the cause of this, but in the long run it’s best that businesses learn how to run smoothly, efficiently and flawlessly regardless of our financial health.
Some of the most interesting points of Evans’ article come from his direct analysis of the notion that it is "the CIO's job is to align IT with the business". Evans considers this a total misnomer and scolds the IT industry for leaving the CIO out in the cold when their executive role is absolutely necessary to any company’s long term success.
The silver lining in the CIO cloud is that CEOs will continue to be aggressive about technology and how to harness its power to make business run faster and better than ever before. The new and improved CIO is urged to hurry up and get with the program because the advanced business of IT train has already left the station.