Features

Features

• New book explores business benefits of immersive technology

  Immersive technologies will transform business, with weighty consequences for the global economy. Learn what extended reality can do in this book excerpt by PwC's XR chief.  Continue Reading

• CIOs can avoid tech hype with business-IT alignment

  Falling prey to emerging tech hype can lead to failed projects, wasted dollars and worse. Here is a framework for viewing technology in the right way.  Continue Reading

• Top technology trends come down to CIO strategy in 2022

  Rather than feel the wave of top tech trends of 2022 wash over them, CIOs should focus on business goals to guide their emerging tech strategy.  Continue Reading

• 5 keys to IT talent development in a hybrid work model

  With the tech talent shortage in full force, IT talent development is critical for every organization. Learn the essentials of doing it right.  Continue Reading

• Agility and resiliency vital to digital-first business models

  For enterprises transforming their business models, ServiceNow's Yoav Boaz explains how Disney and Peloton reinvented themselves and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• Hyperautomation technology speeds digital transformation

  To businesses plotting a digital transformation course, ServiceNow's Yoav Boaz says hyperautomation is instrumental in consolidating siloed processes and smoothing workflows.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 edge computing use cases and examples

  The move to edge computing will increase over the next few years. Here, we list the areas where it's proving to deliver high value.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps to create a CIO-CEO strategic partnership

  The pandemic pushed CIOs to the head of the C-suite table. Here's how they can keep that respect and power and create true partnership with their CEO.  Continue Reading

• How CIOs can improve employees' digital fluency quotient

  Most companies need technology to thrive, so it's important the workforce has a high digital fluency quotient. Learn how CIOs can help build tech savvy throughout the company.  Continue Reading

• 7 steps to a successful digital transformation journey

  ServiceNow's Yoav Boaz defines evolutionary vs. revolutionary approaches to business modeling and proposes a step-by-step digital transformation roadmap for businesses to follow.  Continue Reading

• Why the CIO-CFO relationship is key to digital success

  CIOs and CFOs haven't always gotten along. But with digital transformations now dominating budgets, business success depends on their ability to work together.  Continue Reading

• C-suites need to prioritize sustainability, climate change plans

  Government regulations are one driving force behind business sustainability and climate change efforts. Following the UN COP26, businesses should be prepared for more regulation.  Continue Reading

• Big opportunities for strategic CIO leadership today

  CIOs and technology leaders have unprecedented opportunities to lead their enterprises in meeting today's new demands. Here are some of those opportunities -- and some challenges.  Continue Reading

• Litigants face tough road with antitrust lawsuits

  As big tech companies like Google and Facebook fight antitrust lawsuits in court, experts are divided on whether core antitrust laws need updating for the modern economy.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 promising 5G use cases CIOs should know

  The technological advantages 5G presents are well known. The hard part for business leaders is choosing where 5G implementation can be the difference maker for their organization.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating the benefits of 5G for businesses

  With its high speeds, low latency and other advantages, 5G is delivering value in the enterprise. Now, business leaders view the new wireless technology as key to future success.  Continue Reading

• Inside look at Equifax's $1.5B digital transformation journey

  A massive digital transformation effort at Equifax is gaining momentum. CTO Bryson Koehler talks about overhauling data environments, infrastructure, applications and more.  Continue Reading

• Chinese regulatory crackdown is about control, not data privacy

  Despite China's messaging, analysts believe the government's recent regulatory tightening on tech companies is more about control than data privacy concerns.  Continue Reading

• Regulators need to rethink big tech regulation, expert says

  A Boston University professor argues that big tech regulation may need to focus more on creating competition through data access rather than through breaking up large companies.  Continue Reading

• Does the Microsoft partner ecosystem follow the 80/20 rule?

  Partner Elevate director Desmond Russell believes Microsoft's channel strategy underserves the bulk of its partners. Here's how Microsoft could better support its channel ecosystem.  Continue Reading

• Edge-to-cloud architecture turns key for digital initiatives

  Enterprises pursuing digital transformation initiatives may need to reexamine their infrastructure architecture to bring compute and storage closer to data generated at the edge.  Continue Reading

• 9 digital experience monitoring vendors to watch

  Demand for monitoring and managing digital experiences is growing. Knowing the vendors and products available to businesses will help leaders make the right choice.  Continue Reading

• Exec discusses Ensono acquisition, vertical strategy

  In this Q&A, Ensono president Marc Capri details the company's post-deal plans, which include bolstering its transformation capabilities and cultivating an industry focus.  Continue Reading

• Accenture: Channel partner ecosystem taps cloud, innovation

  Times have changed for channel partners. Companies today drive most business through cloud providers and seek to co-innovate industry-specific offerings with technology partners.  Continue Reading

• Navigating 7 digital experience monitoring challenges

  Evaluating both customer and employee digital experience is increasingly valuable in the enterprise. Leaders will need to plan for the challenges that come with this new technology.  Continue Reading

• HealthBridge Financial banks on AWS, Boomi to build business

  Startup HealthBridge Financial used cloud-only infrastructure and Boomi's iPaaS to launch and scale its business of providing a second-payer benefit option for employers.  Continue Reading

• Outcome-based contracting sees uptick during pandemic

  Contracts that tie service provider payments to results has gained momentum as customers pursue digital transformation projects. Learn about the implications for service providers.  Continue Reading

• What CIOs need to know about digital experience monitoring

  As evaluating user and employee digital experience becomes more common, CIOs need to learn how the technologies work and what they stand to gain by implementing DEM.  Continue Reading

• RPA vs. cognitive automation: What are the key differences?

  CIOs are now relying on cognitive automation and RPA to improve business processes more than ever before. Here are the important distinctions between the two technologies.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between RPA and IPA?

  RPA and IPA can work in tandem to expand the scope of your process automation strategy. But first, it's important to understand their key differences.  Continue Reading

• With accelerated digital transformation, less is more

  Ramping up digital transformation to take on problems such as COVID-19 shouldn't mean running up huge numbers of projects. CIOs argue for a focused approach and crystalized tech.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of cognitive automation?

  As CIOs embrace more automation tools like RPA, they should also consider utilizing cognitive automation for higher-level tasks to further improve business processes. Here's why.  Continue Reading

• Co-managed IT support sees demand in the remote work era

  As businesses weather the pandemic, many organizations' IT departments find themselves pushed to the limits and in need of outside help. Enter co-managed IT support services.  Continue Reading

• National Grid CIO champions data-driven business strategy

  Andi Karaboutis, group chief information and digital officer at National Grid, discusses the ways in which she's utilizing data and emerging tech like AI to fuel business growth.  Continue Reading

• The future of e-commerce: Trends, tips, traps to avoid

  The term 'e-commerce' has been around for decades. What does it mean for today's businesses? Not what it did in the 1990s -- or even a mere 12 months ago.  Continue Reading

• CIO role post-pandemic is 'opportunity of a lifetime'

  What is the CIO's role in 2021? Genpact's Sanjay Srivastava, a speaker at this year's MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, says CIOs are becoming 'co-creators' of new business models.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid care is healthcare's future

  Hybrid care is neither digital nor physical, neither in-office nor at home. Instead, it's a little of everything, and one health IT leader thinks it's where healthcare is headed.  Continue Reading

• Managing cybersecurity during the pandemic and in the new digital age

  Roota Almeida, CISO at Delta Dental of New Jersey and Delta Dental of Connecticut, talks about the cybersecurity threats she's seen over the last year and how she's effectively managing her security team.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise architecture has business's ear at Scottish Water

  Scottish Water's enterprise architecture team leader discusses how engaging with business leaders and software tools can help with digital transformation initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Evolving role of the CIO key to the future of work

  Allan Tate, executive chair of the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, explains how the pandemic pushed CIOs to the forefront as enterprises scrambled to adapt to a new normal.  Continue Reading

• How to measure the success of agile transformation

  In his new book 'Sooner, Safer, Happier,' Jonathan Smart dives into the ways in which organizations can achieve better outcomes through business agility.  Continue Reading

• Racial, gender diversity in tech improving at a glacial pace

  The tech industry has made some progress in improving gender diversity in recent years, but some populations have been excluded from this progress.  Continue Reading

• The future of trust will be built on data transparency

  In a digital economy fueled by AI, data transparency is the new currency. Learn what IT leaders must do to bring trust and transparency to the enterprise, now and into the future.  Continue Reading

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of RPA?

  While RPA offers several benefits in the enterprise, there are also a few drawbacks. According to experts, these are the top eight pros and five cons of RPA for organizations to consider.  Continue Reading

• MSP buyers weigh M&A integration vs. independence

  MSP M&A activity is surging as investment dollars flow into the sector. How buyers handle the post-acquisition environment will determine whether the combination succeeds.  Continue Reading

• Changes to U.S. antitrust laws could hamper innovation

  Antitrust lawsuits and regulatory proposals could have a greater impact on the technology industry than regulators expect. Expert Aurelien Portuese explains why.  Continue Reading

• Biden wants review of IT exemption in Buy American law

  Commercial IT products including hardware and software systems could soon fall under the purview of the Buy American Act if their exemption is removed.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the difference between RPA and AI

  RPA and AI adoption are rapidly increasing, but there's still some confusion over the coevolving technologies. Here we dive into their capabilities and how they can work together.  Continue Reading

• CIOs use data, tech to tackle racial disparities in healthcare

  CIOs are looking at data and democratizing technology to help health systems address racial and economic disparities that COVID-19 made impossible to ignore.  Continue Reading

• What CIOs need to know about the future of hyperautomation

  Appian founder and CEO Matt Calkins dives into the benefits of hyperautomation and how unifying technologies will ultimately help enterprises achieve success in today's digital age.  Continue Reading

• Experts predict hot enterprise architecture trends for 2021

  IT architecture trends to watch in 2021 include organizing business around components and expanding tools to focus on business outcomes, automation and analytics.  Continue Reading

• What CIOs need to know about RPA in IT operations

  We have yet to see a big investment in RPA for IT operations, but that could change as experts identify it as an area that can yield significant benefits for CIOs and their departments.  Continue Reading

• Digital healthcare top priority for CIOs in 2021

  In 2021, CIOs will not only focus on providing greater access to healthcare but more equitable access. Digital tools will play a key role.  Continue Reading

• C-suite execs give future technology predictions for the decade

  What will keep CIOs busy this decade? From machine learning to cybersecurity, IT leaders are providing insights on technologies they predict will be accelerated over the next 10 years.  Continue Reading

• Vertical marketing strategies shouldn't dismiss QSR, retail

  The pandemic has pummeled restaurants and retailers, but service providers could still find opportunities in areas ranging from contactless technology to virtual reality.  Continue Reading

• Accenture enables Enel's strategic digital transformation goals

  Enel Group's strategic digital transformation initiative provided the European energy behemoth with the flexibility it needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Continue Reading

• How to transform your existing MSP and be more competitive

  We know what a brand-new MSP needs to get off the ground today, but Dave looks at what an existing managed service provider needs to adapt and succeed.  Continue Reading

• Fog nodes simplify edge vs. cloud computing choice

  The demanding architecture of IoT has many organizations wondering how best to distribute their resources in the cloud or at the edge, and how fog nodes fit into the equation.  Continue Reading

• NTT Ltd. exec talks hybrid cloud, remote tech

  NTT Ltd.'s recently appointed Americas CEO talks about the $3 billion-plus business's opportunities one year after parent NTT Corp. created the operation in a sweeping merger.  Continue Reading

• A Deep Dive Into Agile Project Management

  Plan, guide and execute projects as effectively as possible. Here is everything you should know about Agile methodologies -- from basic concepts to adapting to change.  Continue Reading

• Accenture: Industrial digital transformation needs leaders

  Leadership and execution are the keys to overcoming the potential pitfalls of industrial digitization, a process that redundant technology can hinder.  Continue Reading

• MSPAlliance on a quest to change the managed services industry

  In part one of this two-part interview, MSPAlliance CEO Charles Weaver discusses his organization's evolution and its ongoing efforts to professionalize managed services.  Continue Reading

• Why partners shouldn't lose faith in blockchain technology

  Keep blockchain on your radar. Despite setbacks in adoption, blockchain endures as relevant technology for channel partners, according to CompTIA and other channel industry watchers.  Continue Reading

• Sales verticals and how MSPs can target them

  Selling to vertical markets can seem like a daunting prospect for managed service providers. Read on for six tips to get you started on a vertical sales journey.  Continue Reading

• Managed IT services glossary: Terms of the trade

  Managed service providers represent an important subset of the channel partner ecosystem. Browse the terms below to sharpen your understanding of MSPs and their service offerings.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of RPA platforms vs. APIs

  Because RPA and APIs are considered competitive approaches for automating business processes, we compiled a list of pros and cons to ensure you're getting the most out of each one.  Continue Reading

• Accenture Labs explores quantum computing applications

  Accenture Labs has patented a method for identifying workloads suitable for quantum computing applications, which the company believes will span scientific and business use cases.  Continue Reading

• RPA use cases that take RPA to next level

  Taking RPA use cases to the next level entails automating complex processes, establishing a governance program and using management techniques such as Six Sigma.  Continue Reading

• How to start an AI service business

  Building an AI practice may seem like a daunting endeavor. Fortunately, channel partners can learn from other companies that have found ways to apply AI models to customer challenges.  Continue Reading

• Democratization of AI, 5G nets among top 2019 opportunities

  Channel partners may find opportunities in artificial intelligence, 5G networks and the rise of enterprise 3D printing as 2019 unfolds, according to a Deloitte report.  Continue Reading

• AI and data analytics trailblazers: Accenture, DXC and Wipro

  Accenture, DXC and Wipro are among the AI and data analytics services providers highlighted in Gartner's Magic Quadrant. Learn about their market visions and business challenges.  Continue Reading

• Early-stage companies reach out to channel partners

  Bigleaf, CloudZero, Rescale are among the early-stage companies investigating alliances with channel partners as they seek help with sales and support.  Continue Reading

• Tackling security debt: The role of risk register, patch management

  In this Q&A, Akamai's Dave Lewis offers pointers on how to address security debt and also discusses how organizations can avoid incurring such debt.  Continue Reading

• MSP business model transformation: Five tips for navigating change

  MSP business model transformation: Channel partners face challenges as they cultivate as-a-service offerings, seek dollars for investment and promote their new offerings.  Continue Reading

• Business influencers: What guides your IT channel decisions?

  Channel executives are responsible for making tough decisions that impact the fates of their companies. We asked a few company chiefs to name the top influencers that shape their leadership.  Continue Reading

• Mobility trend: For this IT leader, connected car is both zest and threat

  The connected car is just one example of a mobility trend that is reshaping business as usual.  Continue Reading

• Managed services pricing models: Per-device vs. SLA-based approach

  A per-device and per-user pricing model is easy for MSPs, but experts caution it carries business risk and leads managed services to commoditization.  Continue Reading

• Out of the shadows: Rogue IT is becoming CIO business as usual

  The consumerization of IT and increasing demands for business agility are forcing the evolution of rogue IT. How are CIOs responding?  Continue Reading

• CIO/CTO shapes up shared services strategy and puts the fun into ITSM

  Bart Murphy was hired by CareWorks Family of Companies to create and carry out a shared services strategy; he transformed IT and became CIO/CTO.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft managed partner designation: What it takes, what it's worth

  A Microsoft managed partner designation can get you a warm body within Microsoft whose job it is to help you. Get info on how partners are selected.  Continue Reading

• The new BPM program: A focus on data-driven business outcomes

  With an emphasis on data-driven business results, the new BPM program is giving CIOs the tools to help grow the business.  Continue Reading

• Chapter excerpt: Decision-making processes and IT governance

  Find out how sound decision-making processes form the foundation of IT governance policies by allocating decision rights and accountability.  Continue Reading

• What should be included in a managed services agreement?

  A well-written managed services agreement should provide a common understanding of the services to be performed by the managed services provider for the client. Learn why the managed services agreement is often the first step taken by MSPs, the ...  Continue Reading

• How to write an IT service-level agreement

  A service-level agreement (SLA) is a document that clearly lays out your responsibilities as a client's managed services provider. Learn how to write an SLA to protect your managed services business by avoiding confusion with customers that can lead...  Continue Reading

• Network IDS/IPS vendors

  Before deciding on a network intrusion detection or intrusion prevention system (IDS/IPS), check out this Partner Program Directory. Use these checklists to compare partner programs of network IDS/IPS vendors.  Continue Reading

• Managed services contracts

  Value-added resellers venturing into managed services need to consider the details of the managed services contract they provide to customers. Learn what goes into a managed services contract in this edition of Channel Explained.  Continue Reading

• Business impact analysis for business continuity: BIA for small business

  Read this example of business impact analysis (BIA) for a small business from "Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery for IT Professionals" to make the process more tangible.  Continue Reading

• IT distribution channel (distributors)

  Distributors are wholesalers that act as intermediaries between vendors and value-added resellers (VARs) or system integrators (SIs). Learn more about the role of distributors in the channel -- and how it's changing.  Continue Reading

• Creation of virtual machines utilizing command-line tools

  Creating virtual machines for your customers is useful for them and lucrative for you. This excerpt outlines VMware ESX Server's creation and cloning tools.  Continue Reading