CIO strategy
Today's CIOs, CTOs, CDOs and other IT leaders must tackle constantly evolving challenges. Get critical news, guides and tips on how to excel in business and technology leadership. Topics include CIO strategy, business disruption, hybrid workforces, change management, cross-departmental collaboration, and how to lead projects related to metaverse, AI, and blockchain.
Top Stories
-
News
28 Apr 2025
Deriving ROI from AI is more than just monetary value
While some enterprises can see the business value from their AI initiatives relatively quickly in terms of financial value, others see it in the efficiency of their employees. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2025
AI tests limits of data privacy regulation
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman speaks about where data privacy guardrails are needed and where there might be room to rework privacy approaches. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Feb 2024
U.S. weighs National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act
Policymakers are considering the bipartisan National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, which would continue quantum computing R&D as well as move toward commercialization. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Feb 2024
Cloud costs continue to rise in 2024
Enterprises might look more closely at workload allocation and explore alternative platforms amid ongoing cloud price hikes. Storage costs are also trending upward. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Feb 2024
Generative AI for enterprises: ADP, IKEA launch tools
The human capital management company and the retailer have taken different roads to GenAI deployment. But both enterprises aim to boost customer experience. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 Feb 2024
Top business process modeling techniques with examples
Business process modeling techniques and tools provide a visual representation of processes that's crucial to effectively monitoring, improving and streamlining the flow of tasks. Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Feb 2024
What does a knowledge manager do?
Knowledge managers use technical skills to maintain knowledge base software and interpersonal skills to encourage employees to share best practices with each other. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Feb 2024
How to develop a business process in 8 steps
Well-designed business processes help organizations achieve their goals faster, but they require planning and effort. Follow these steps to develop processes that deliver value. Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Feb 2024
How to improve and optimize a business process, step by step
The processes that form the backbone of modern business operations require continuous improvement to stay effective and efficient. Here is a method for improving them. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Feb 2024
robotic process automation (RPA)
Robotic process automation (RPA) is a technology that mimics the way humans interact with software to perform high-volume, repeatable tasks. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2024
US works to develop AI standards while California legislates
California has proposed AI regulation as the U.S. works to develop AI standards by bringing together companies such as Apple, Amazon, Google and Microsoft. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Feb 2024
Businesses brace for FCC's ban on AI robocalls
The FCC's ban on AI-generated robocalls comes in response to growing concern about bad actors using AI to mimic someone's likeness and voice to spread misinformation. Continue Reading
-
Definition
12 Feb 2024
spatial computing
Spatial computing broadly characterizes the processes and tools used to capture, process and interact with three-dimensional (3D) data. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Feb 2024
Top metaverse cybersecurity challenges: How to address them
As the metaverse takes shape, companies must consider a slew of new cybersecurity challenges and how to deal with them. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Feb 2024
Amazon weighs in on AI regulation
Amazon supports a risk-based approach to artificial intelligence regulation, which means focusing on regulating harmful uses of AI. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Feb 2024
8 dangers of shadow IT and how to manage them
Unauthorized devices, software and system changes -- and other forms of shadow IT -- can expose organizations to a range of security risks. Here are ways to manage them. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Feb 2024
self-service analytics
Self-service analytics is a type of business intelligence (BI) that enables business users to access, manipulate, analyze and visualize data, as well as generate reports based on their discoveries. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Feb 2024
FASB rule could shake up, simplify software cost reporting
Stakeholders want a single rule for reporting software development costs in a simplified manner, which the Financial Accounting Standards Board is considering. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Feb 2024
value chain
A value chain is a concept describing the full chain of a business's activities in creating a product or service -- from initial receipt of materials through its delivery to market. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Jan 2024
Top metaverse investors and how to start investing
Would-be metaverse investors have many ways to get in on the action. Read our coverage of the metaverse's top investors, direct investing opportunities and investment risks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Jan 2024
2024 technology predictions around AI, Mojo and blockchain
Blockchain, AI, anti-competitive activity and the new programming language Mojo are sure to fill the headlines in 2024. Continue Reading
-
Definition
29 Jan 2024
competitive differentiation
Competitive differentiation is a strategic positioning tactic an organization can undertake to set its products, services and brands apart from those of its competitors. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Jan 2024
Metaverse privacy concerns and how to address them
Data privacy in the metaverse is a moving target. Learn about the main privacy issues and risk for businesses and users -- and how best to address them. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Jan 2024
FTC launches inquiry into generative AI partnerships
The FTC has announced that it's looking into the relationships between big tech companies and generative AI companies and their impact on the market. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Jan 2024
Enforcement remains a concern for EU AI Act
The EU AI Act is approaching finalization, and while there could be enforcement challenges down the road, businesses need to prepare. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Jan 2024
Debunking 5 blockchain myths and misconceptions
There's more to blockchain development than what you hear from the crypto community. Here, we debunk five common blockchain myths. Continue Reading
-
News
23 Jan 2024
Watsonx AI bots assist IBM Consulting in client GenAI projects
IBM Consulting rolls out role-based bots to streamline consultants' work as they enable digital transformation for customers. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Jan 2024
enterprise agility
Enterprise agility is a paradigm for scaling agile methodologies beyond development teams. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Jan 2024
How will the metaverse affect the future of work?
Virtual field trips to the Louvre for inspiration, accelerated learning, onboarding reimagined -- how will the metaverse change our working environments and when? It depends. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jan 2024
Competition, cooperation will define U.S.-China relations
Business leaders will need to take steps over the next decade to prepare for U.S., China relations largely defined by competition and how policymakers approach cooperation. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Jan 2024
Democratizing machine learning hits cultural, tech snags
Forrester Consulting-Capital One study points to organizational silos, disconnect between line-of-business and data managers, and hard-to-use machine learning tools as challenges. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jan 2024
startup culture
A startup culture is a workplace environment that values creative problem-solving, open communication and a flat hierarchy. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jan 2024
OODA loop
The OODA loop -- Observe, Orient, Decide, Act -- is a four-step approach to decision-making that focuses on filtering available information, putting it in context and quickly making the most appropriate decision, while also understanding that changes can be made as more data becomes available. Continue Reading
-
Definition
17 Jan 2024
SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud)
SMAC (social, mobile, analytics and cloud) is the concept that the convergence of four technologies is currently driving business innovation. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jan 2024
U.S. agencies preparing open source AI assessment, standards
Biden's executive order on artificial intelligence directs agencies such as the Commerce Department to assess the risks and benefits of AI, craft standards, and study safeguards. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jan 2024
Former GOP candidate's AI chatbot fielded policy questions
Former presidential candidate Asa Hutchinson used an AI chatbot to provide insight on his policy stances, a development that both impresses and worries tech and media experts. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Jan 2024
Prices rise as IT spending trends upward for servers, storage
IT prices increased in December across four key commodities -- a pattern that coincides with a revival in demand for servers and storage following a 2023 drop. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Jan 2024
Big tech reps call for U.S. data privacy law at CES 2024
Corporate data privacy advocates said that a federal law could provide businesses with consistency and facilitate future regulation for artificial intelligence. Continue Reading
-
Definition
11 Jan 2024
paternalistic leadership
Paternalistic leadership is a managerial approach that involves a dominant authority figure who acts as a patriarch or matriarch and treats employees and partners as though they were members of a large, extended family. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jan 2024
Apple, Google face tumultuous legal year ahead
Google has agreed to make changes to its app store, while Apple has remained largely unscathed after antitrust trials challenged both companies' app store operating models. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jan 2024
Editor's Note: Expanding our coverage to serve you
Move will double editorial staff, strengthen vertical coverage and deepen technology expertise. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jan 2024
7 business process management challenges and how to fix them
Unclear goals, weak C-level support and subpar testing setups are among the factors that can derail BPM initiatives. Learn about seven BPM challenges and ways to overcome them. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Jan 2024
Where AI and quantum computing meet
Quantum computing may be years away from practical enterprise applications, but it's getting closer. We talked with IBM's quantum adoption leader to see where we're at right now. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Jan 2024
16 BPM best practices to ensure project success
A BPM approach to transformation enables companies to continuously improve and reinvent their business processes, injecting innovation as they go. Learn how to do it right. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Jan 2024
14 CIO priorities and trends for 2024
The job is as big and challenging as ever. In 2024, CIOs will be asked to find business value in GenAI, mitigate AI risks and solve the talent crunch, among other pressing issues. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Dec 2023
globalization
Globalization is the process by which ideas, knowledge, information, goods and services spread around the world. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Dec 2023
business process outsourcing (BPO)
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an external service provider to perform an essential business function or task. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Dec 2023
Agencies support regulating commercial space industry
The White House wants to divide regulatory authority for new commercial space industry activities between the DOC and DOT, a move that has federal agency support. Continue Reading
-
News
20 Dec 2023
Mercy Ships network transformation nears completion
The tech upgrade brings expanded network capabilities to the NGO's hospital ships, with improved remote consultation and dockside medical services among the expected benefits. Continue Reading
-
News
19 Dec 2023
U.S.-China relations will affect businesses in 2024
U.S.-China relations will affect U.S. businesses in 2024, whether it's through more export controls or building alliances with other countries on technology. Continue Reading
-
Definition
18 Dec 2023
digital leadership
Digital leadership is the strategic use of a company's digital assets and emerging technologies to achieve business goals. A digital leader is a person who guides this digital approach within an organization. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Dec 2023
Small language models an emerging GenAI force
Enterprises are unwilling to pay for large language models to accomplish simple business tasks with generative AI. They're looking at cheaper small language models. Continue Reading
-
News
15 Dec 2023
DOJ's long-term goals in Google antitrust case unclear
The DOJ faced off against Google this year in an antitrust trial, claiming that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over the online search and search advertising markets. Continue Reading
-
Definition
15 Dec 2023
What is business process management? A guide to BPM
Business process management (BPM) is a structured approach to improving the processes organizations use to get work done, serve their customers and generate business value. Continue Reading
-
News
14 Dec 2023
Technology inflation rate edges up for storage, IT services
Price hikes persist for professional services and cloud, while an increase in storage costs could reflect a return toward more typical pricing levels after a period of decline. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Dec 2023
business process automation (BPA)
Business process automation (BPA) is the use of advanced technology to complete business processes with minimal human intervention. Continue Reading
-
News
13 Dec 2023
Businesses need to prepare for climate reporting in 2024
The EU CSRD will require climate reporting starting in 2024, while businesses will need to prepare for California's climate rule reporting starting in 2026. Continue Reading
-
Feature
12 Dec 2023
2023 year in review: Top tech business topics
2023 brought major tech innovations and controversies, proving that balancing innovation, ethics and regulation is crucial for a positive tech future. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Dec 2023
EU AI Act brings tough rules and big fines to businesses
The EU AI Act, if passed into law, would prohibit certain AI applications and implement transparency requirements for generative artificial intelligence systems. Continue Reading
-
Definition
11 Dec 2023
IT cost structure
IT cost structure refers to the relationship between different types of expenditures within a larger IT budget. Continue Reading
-
Definition
11 Dec 2023
business innovation
Business innovation is an organization's process for introducing new ideas, workflows, methodologies, services or products. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Dec 2023
Federal procurement of AI tools hurt by White House rules
Obstacles facing Biden's executive order on AI and draft OMB guidance include lack of clarity around AI procurement and inability of Congress to take action on AI policy. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Dec 2023
Congress might act on AI-generated content in 2024
Misinformation is an issue facing digital platforms that's being exacerbated by AI-generated content, something Congress could tackle in the new year. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Dec 2023
7 top business process management benefits, advantages
Streamlined workflows, greater agility and scalability, tighter process controls, reduced risks, lower costs and better customer engagements are among the notable BPM benefits. Continue Reading
-
Definition
05 Dec 2023
stacked ranking (stack ranking)
Stacked ranking (stack ranking) is an employee evaluation method that slots a certain percentage of employees into each of several levels of performance. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Dec 2023
How to set business goals, step by step
Setting business goals that are detailed and come with deadlines motivates employees and keeps your company on track. Learn how to do it. Continue Reading
-
Definition
01 Dec 2023
Universal Process Notation (UPN)
Universal Process Notation is a method for illustrating the steps in a business process. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Dec 2023
RPA vs. BPM: How are they different?
Don't confuse RPA with BPM. These process-oriented initiatives are distinctly different but also highly complementary when planning, automating and improving business operations. Continue Reading
-
Definition
30 Nov 2023
targeted ad (targeted advertising)
A targeted ad, or targeted advertising, is a method of displaying advertisements to a specific group of people based on their demographics, behavior, interests, or other criteria. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Nov 2023
White House unveils plan to build supply chain resilience
New Biden administration actions for supply chains include a cross-governmental council, use of the Defense Production Act for essential medicines, and data sharing and analytics. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Nov 2023
How AI is radically changing business process management
Deploying AI's discovery and automation capabilities in BPM powers advancements in front-office processes, process data analysis, business process mapping and process modeling. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Nov 2023
corporate culture
Corporate culture is the collection of values, beliefs, ethics and attitudes that characterize an organization and guide its practices. Continue Reading
-
Definition
28 Nov 2023
business process reengineering (BPR)
Business process reengineering (BPR) is a management practice in which business processes used are radically redesigned to improve efficiency, effectiveness and performance. Continue Reading
-
Definition
22 Nov 2023
radical innovation
Radical innovation is an invention that destroys or supplants an existing business model. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Nov 2023
Former OpenAI CEO gains strong legal backing with Microsoft
Should ousted OpenAI CEO Sam Altman be involved in any federal investigations going forward, he now has the legal backing of Microsoft as an employee. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Nov 2023
BPO vs. BPM: What is the difference?
BPO and BPM both aim to improve business processes. One is a management approach to optimizing end-to-end processes. The other is a strategy used to improve specific processes. Continue Reading
-
Definition
21 Nov 2023
process mining
Process mining is a technique that interprets logs from enterprise applications -- like customer resource management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms -- to identify the steps in common business processes, detect variations and prioritize areas of improvement. Continue Reading
-
Podcast
20 Nov 2023
Diving into Wayfair's machine learning odyssey
From starting with using the technology to determine the best marketing mediums to using GenAI tools internally, the online retail giant's AI experience has evolved. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2023
Regulating digital industries might require a new U.S. agency
U.S. senators and industry experts are pushing for a new agency to regulate digital industries and tackle competition, privacy and content moderation concerns. Continue Reading
-
Definition
16 Nov 2023
managerial grid model (The Blake and Mouton Managerial Grid model)
The managerial grid model was developed by Robert R. Blake and Jane S. Mouton in the 1960s to help companies and individuals analyze and improve management styles. Continue Reading
-
News
16 Nov 2023
Cloud costs increase amid SaaS pricing hikes
CIOs face higher SaaS prices, with a new report pegging the inflation rate at 8.7%. The wider cloud segment saw a 3.2% inflation rate in October, according to U.S. government data. Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Nov 2023
The push is on to build the autonomous enterprise
The concept of an autonomous enterprise is becoming more real as enterprises combine technologies to automate all kinds of human work. Welcome to the 'Autonomous Revolution.' Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Nov 2023
Explaining labor shortages and how to overcome them
A labor shortage occurs when demand for workers exceeds supply, often leading to unfilled jobs, delayed services and potentially higher wages. Continue Reading
-
Feature
14 Nov 2023
Enterprise IT shops more likely to buy GenAI than build it
GenAI power requirements, the cost of computing and storage, and the high salaries demanded by AI specialists make it unlikely enterprises will take a do-it-yourself approach. Continue Reading
-
Definition
14 Nov 2023
workflow
Workflow is the series of activities that are necessary to complete a task. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Nov 2023
As Congress mulls AI, Biden asks first for data privacy law
Congress could eventually run into a similar issue with AI as data privacy -- states passing a patchwork of laws that become difficult for businesses to comply with. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Nov 2023
OpenAI's new versions of GPT target more enterprises
The vendor targets enterprises with new tools and products tailored to what businesses and developers need to incorporate generative AI, including better pricing. Continue Reading
-
Definition
08 Nov 2023
IT strategic plan (information technology strategic plan)
An IT strategic plan is a document that details the comprehensive technology-enabled business management processes an organization uses to guide operations. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Nov 2023
How to modernize legacy applications
For many organizations, system upgrades mean investing time, money and resources. Discover how to modernize legacy applications with these critical tips. Continue Reading
-
Podcast
06 Nov 2023
Tech industry reaction to Biden's AI executive order mixed
While it's the first extensive statement from the U.S. government on governing and promoting AI, it falls short of providing actionable steps to vendors. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Nov 2023
What is a digital transformation strategy? Everything you need to know
A strong DX strategy details an organization's current state, its plans for the future and the actions to achieve those goals. Discover the key elements that should be included. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Nov 2023
AI executive order does not fix need for federal regulation
The executive order on AI focuses on data privacy, defense and many other areas. While it's seen as comprehensive, many are looking for the U.S. to enact federal legislation. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2023
Senators defend new federal agency for tackling big tech
A federal agency with a specific focus on digital platforms will help address growing concerns around AI, data privacy and competition, two U.S. senators argue. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Oct 2023
Biden EO aims to build foundation for AI legislation
The Biden administration is tasking federal agencies with making standards for AI systems development that could shape what legislation looks like at the state and federal level. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Oct 2023
How AI impacts digital transformation
AI adoption is changing digital transformation as enterprises deploy the technology to improve customer experience, boost developer productivity and look for a competitive edge. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Oct 2023
Lack of federal data privacy law seen hurting IT security
Without federal data privacy protections, businesses can freely amass vast amounts of consumer data, raising cybersecurity risks for both consumers and businesses. Continue Reading
-
Definition
25 Oct 2023
strategic leadership
Strategic leadership is a practice in which executives, using different styles of management, develop a vision for their organization that enables it to adapt to or remain competitive in a changing economic and technological climate. Continue Reading
-
Definition
23 Oct 2023
authoritarian leadership
Authoritarian leadership, also known as autocratic leadership, is a management style where an individual possesses total decision-making power and retains as much authority as possible, often requiring followers to strictly adhere to their directives without much freedom or participation. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Oct 2023
A guide to sustainability certifications for professionals
From starter-level training to in-depth ESG reporting, explore more than 30 sustainability classes, credentials and certifications that working professionals can consider now. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Oct 2023
11 reasons why digital transformations fail, explained by pros
Digital transformations continue to be challenging and are prone to failure. Learn about 11 fatal mistakes to avoid at all costs. Continue Reading
-
Definition
20 Oct 2023
chief marketing officer (CMO)
A chief marketing officer (CMO) is a C-suite executive responsible for overseeing the planning, development and execution of an organization's marketing and advertising initiatives. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Oct 2023
How digital transformation is changing customer experience
Digital transformation and customer experience go hand in hand as organizations look to provide self-service options, highly personalized experiences and easier ways to query data. Continue Reading