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
17 Sep 2024
Former OpenAI associates fear AGI, lack of U.S. AI policy
Since the U.S. lacks an overarching AI policy, insiders worry that existing AI harms aren't being addressed and that artificial general intelligence could increase risks. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Sep 2024
Explainable AI systems build trust, mitigate regulatory risk
Explainable AI will look different depending on whether a business is using a predictive, generative or agentic AI system. Continue Reading
-
Feature
06 May 2020
Implementing a business continuity plan in times of crisis
Forrester Research analysts discuss what we initially knew about the COVID-19 pandemic, how it's transforming business and how to devise a business continuity plan. Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 May 2020
Former White House CIO talks cybersecurity risk mitigation
Cybersecurity expert Theresa Payton provides critical insight on current cybersecurity threats CIOs should be looking out for and how to prepare for them during and after the pandemic. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Apr 2020
Survive the 'tech-clash' by rethinking 5 technology trends
A recent Accenture survey showed that organizations should consider a human-centric approach when looking to adopt the latest technology trends, including AI, smart products, 5G and more. Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 Apr 2020
Red Hat CIO talks data literacy and digital transformation
Mike Kelly dives into his role as CIO and the data literacy program he co-founded at Red Hat, as well as provides insight for CIOs facing pressure in the digital transformation era. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Mar 2020
How IT can build an agile business partnership
Gene Kim, award-winning researcher, author and founder of IT Revolution, discusses why IT leaders need to involve their colleagues in the journey towards an agile business. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Mar 2020
Former Cisco CEO offers C-suite leadership tips in time of crisis
COVID-19 is forcing enterprises to make tough decisions. There is no one-size-fits-all roadmap, but those who've survived earlier crises have advice for today's leaders. Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Mar 2020
COVID-19 radically refocuses CIO agendas in 4 key areas
As a result of the COVID-19 virus, CIOs must shift their priorities and now focus on the impact the pandemic has on the economy, employee health, staffing and technology. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Mar 2020
How RPA and digital transformation work together
Enterprises that think RPA is a good endpoint for digital transformation efforts are in for a rude shock. While automation is a good start, it can leave deeper issues unresolved. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Mar 2020
Here's why a customer feedback program is essential to a business
With C-suite executives investing in a customer feedback program, they will be able to implement strategies to capitalize on positive ratings and resolve negative comments. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Mar 2020
List of tech conferences canceled, postponed due to coronavirus
IT events across the globe are being canceled, rescheduled or streamed in response to concerns about the possible spread of COVID-19 in public spaces and large groups. Continue Reading
-
News
21 Feb 2020
IT salary report shows increased interest in emerging tech hubs
New report lays out the largest IT salary growth of 2019 and predictions for what 2020 has in store for technical careers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Feb 2020
CIO succession planning: The transition of power
Succession planning for CIOs is a must. Why do organizations still fail to do an effective job with this task today? Continue Reading
-
Feature
13 Jan 2020
What is the state of CIO tenure today?
CIO tenure remains significantly lower than other C-suite positions, and according to experts, it's a result of the age of digital transformation we're currently in. Continue Reading
-
Tip
02 Jan 2020
The rise of RPA bots and the role of C-level decision makers
According to new research, there will be 3 million RPA bots running in the enterprise in 2020. As RPA bots proliferate, C-level decision makers must take steps to ensure their RPA programs deliver tactical and strategic benefits. Check out this expert guidance. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Dec 2019
IT workforce skews younger, says analysis of US data
The IT workforce is getting younger, according to government IT workforce data. The reasons for this are subject to a debate that includes everything from age bias to a heavy reliance on foreign workers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Nov 2019
Mark Schwartz dives into risk management in War and Peace and IT
Get an inside look into Mark Schwartz's new book, War and Peace and IT, with a chapter excerpt on risk and opportunity, as well as a Q&A with the author. Continue Reading
-
Feature
04 Nov 2019
Why a CISO-CIO reporting structure undermines security
The CISO-CIO reporting structure comes with a serious conflict of interest, argues cybersecurity expert Tarah Wheeler. Here's why. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Oct 2019
How to become a CIO thought leader
Experts discuss how CIOs and IT leaders can utilize successful thought leadership to distinguish and promote either their companies or themselves. Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Oct 2019
CIO as technology evangelist: Build your case for transformation
Technology change is hard -- and, these days, it's constant. Here's how one CIO learned to become a technology evangelist and got the time, money and buy-in for IT transformation. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
02 Oct 2019
Championing IT operational excellence: The strategic CIO's first day
CIOs may be tempted to roll out their strategic initiatives to C-suite peers on day one, but savvy CIOs know IT operational excellence is step No. 1. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Sep 2019
Establishing a CCoE can secure your cloud cost savings
CIOs who made, or are considering making, the move to the cloud need to consider these three best practices to achieve real cost savings and efficiencies. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Sep 2019
Home Depot CIO promotes in-house tech boot camp
For companies having trouble finding qualified IT professionals to hire, the solution may be closer than you think. Just ask Home Depot, which now trains IT employees in-house. Continue Reading
-
Guide
11 Sep 2019
CIO role in digital transformation
The shift to a digital economy is dramatically changing the role of the CIO, from trusted IT operator to business strategist. Continue Reading
-
Feature
08 Jul 2019
CIO's breadth, depth, business savvy on display at Trace3 Evolve
Technology leaders from NetApp, First American and Experian were among those honored at the Trace3 Evolve event. Their outsized role in driving business value was on full display. Continue Reading
-
Video
17 Jun 2019
Mercer chief digital officer laser-focused on business value of AI
Identifying and communicating the business value of AI are crucial parts of the job for Gail Evans, CDO at Mercer and a finalist for the 2019 MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Apr 2019
Transformational leadership style inspires 'moonshot goals'
Entrepreneur extraordinaire Keith Krach talks about the network effect, turning competitors into partners and paying it forward in this third and final part of our Q&A. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Apr 2019
How to build a startup: 7 tips from Keith Krach
Entrepreneur Keith Krach recounts how he started Ariba, sharing a treasure trove of tips in part two of this three-part Q&A. Continue Reading
-
Feature
25 Apr 2019
Keith Krach: The making of a technology leader
Keith Krach, of DocuSign fame, talks about his long career as a technology leader. Part one covers the early years, from his first jobs at GM to making his mark in Silicon Valley. Continue Reading
-
News
26 Mar 2019
Scalable learning vs. scalable efficiency in the automation age
The right way to treat employees in the automation age is not by deploying scalable efficiency, but by offering scalable learning. The first requirement: enlightened leaders. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
20 Mar 2019
The CIO job on steroids: The 'CIO-plus'
The term CIO-plus came up in a recent conversation about the attributes of a successful CIO. It's another twist on the ever-morphing CIO job. Continue Reading
-
News
12 Mar 2019
Trump 2020 budget calls for more RPA, better CX
The Trump 2020 budget calls for ways to upgrade the consumer experience with RPA and user-friendly interfaces. But legacy systems continue to take the lion's share of IT funds. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Mar 2019
5 reasons CIO career paths go south -- and how to protect yourself
Safeguard your CIO career path. Agiloft CEO Colin Earl details the top five reasons CIOs get the ax -- and how to avoid them. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Jan 2019
Free IT mission statement examples for CIOs
These free IT mission statement examples and how-tos can help CIOs and their IT departments identify and refine their organizational goals. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Jan 2019
CIO role: Should a CIO manipulate information?
IT experts react to yesterday's report in the Wall Street Journal that a CIO used his private company to manipulate online polling data. What's that say about the CIO role? Continue Reading
-
Feature
10 Jan 2019
Ret. Gen. Stan McChrystal on what's wrong with modern leadership
Retired four-star Gen. Stan McChrystal talks about how modern leadership needs to change and what leadership means in the age of AI. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Jan 2019
Digital user experience a big CIO goal in 2019
In 2019, CIOs should expect to play a major role in delivering a top-notch digital user experience -- for customers, employees and for the sake of the company brand. Continue Reading
-
News
30 Nov 2018
How to get more women leaders in tech: It's not just a numbers game
Women leaders in tech are still few and far between. The industry knows it's a problem, but fixing gender inequality in the top ranks won't be easy, according to a recent panel. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Nov 2018
The role of the CIO today requires 2 key skills
Matt Minetola, CIO at Travelport, reflects on how the role of the CIO in digital transformation has rewritten the rules of IT success. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Nov 2018
Digital transformation budgets are on the rise for 2019
According to recent industry analyst predictions, digital transformation budgets are on the rise for 2019, with investments in those initiatives driving the increase. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Oct 2018
'Radical candor' management style resonates at Harvard tech event
How to be a better boss: At Tech Conference 24, leadership guru Kim Scott shared how a stern critique from Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg led to the concept of 'radical candor.' Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Oct 2018
Improve your digital transformation plan: 3 tips from EY's Jeff Wong
EY's chief innovation officer believes a successful digital transformation plan rests on building an ecosystem of internal champions and outside experts who don't think alike. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Sep 2018
The information technology budgeting process: One CTO's experience
Budget surprises have the power to take a company's yearly plans from smooth to chaotic. Look at one CTO's journey through the information technology budgeting process in 2018. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Aug 2018
ITSM program: Tips on where to start, from a CIO who's been there
Link Alander has spent nearly a decade taking Lone Star College's ITSM program from subpar to superior. Here, he offers some tips for CIOs just getting started. Continue Reading
-
News
17 Aug 2018
Deloitte CIO survey: Traditional CIO role doesn't cut it in digital era
New findings from Deloitte show CIOs are not evolving with the times. More than half are stuck in 'trusted operator' mode, which is quickly becoming obsolete. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Aug 2018
Speed, service, solutions are CIO priorities for Arcadis IT exec
Heading into the final stretch of his first year as CIO, Justin Wright has strong ideas about how to make IT a better partner to the business. Read about his CIO priorities for people, processes and technologies. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Aug 2018
How to become a digital leader: A design company's blueprint
Arcadis CIO Justin Wright explains how IT is working in tandem with the business to make the firm a digital leader for its construction industry clients. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Jul 2018
ITIL 4 has some bones to pick with ITSM trends
New guidance from ITIL -- the widely adopted framework for the design, delivery and maintenance of IT services -- is scheduled to be published in early 2019. ITIL 4, as it's called, is the first ... Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
23 Jul 2018
Boston Fed takes on future of blockchain, launches hands-on project
Paul Brassil, vice president of IT at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, tells an auidence of CIOs at the Forrester New Tech & Innovation Forum about why his team cares about the future of ... Continue Reading
-
Feature
17 Jul 2018
CIO roles: Developing 'safe and sound' IT systems
Digital transformation is having a big influence on the evolution of the CIO role. For one CIO, responsibilities have expanded into ensuring the 'safety and soundness' of IT systems. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Jun 2018
Three capabilities all leaders of innovation possess
Harvard's Linda Hill tells IT execs at LiveWorx that in order to be leaders of innovation they need to champion three things. One of them is 'creative abrasion.' Continue Reading
-
News
28 Jun 2018
CIO position: Evolve conference shows many ways to manage IT
The recent Evolve Technology Conference's Outlier Award program revealed varied takes on IT management philosophy and approaches to the CIO position. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
19 Jun 2018
Putting tech ethics to work is the right thing to do
That cool new app might bring in a fortune on the market, but what are the human and social implications? The time to think about tech ethics is now. Continue Reading
-
News
07 Jun 2018
The future of work requires a new C-suite
CIOs, get ready for C-suite 3.0, where corporate chiefs will have to break out of their silos to future-proof the enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 May 2018
Digital talent: Liberty Mutual insists on engineers who can talk business KPIs
Liberty Mutual Insurance takes a two-pronged approach to building its digital talent ranks: recruit from the outside and offer coding lessons to existing employees. Continue Reading
-
News
22 May 2018
Indeed.com releases top 10 most in-demand CIO skills
Job site Indeed.com has released a list of the most in-demand skills for today's CIOs, based on job postings. Experts I talked to said 'most in-demand' doesn't mean most valuable. Continue Reading
-
News
10 May 2018
Four CIO strategies for finding the business ROI in emerging tech
IT execs from Yamaha, Union Pacific, the city of Las Vegas and UL share their CIO strategies for deriving business benefit from emerging tech. Continue Reading
-
News
24 Apr 2018
The CIO voice in the boardroom: Skills needed to get there
At a recent webinar, IT leaders discussed the factors driving the absence of a CIO voice in the boardroom and highlighted the skills they need to earn a seat at the table. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Data literacy training: CIOs just got a new job, yippee!
Data literacy is fast becoming a requirement in the modern digital enterprise, but many so-called knowledge workers lack the ability to read data. Should CIOs take on the job of data literacy training? Continue Reading
-
Guide
27 Mar 2018
IT Priorities survey predicts 2018 IT strategy for tech pros
In TechTarget's annual IT Priorities survey, information technology professionals across industries provide a glimpse of their 2018 IT strategy plans and pet projects. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
28 Feb 2018
Forrester to CIOs: Blockchain networks are not truth machines
Who couldn't use a little clarity on blockchain? A new report from Forrester Research separates myth from the current reality of blockchain networks. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Feb 2018
Startup thinking: CIOs face challenges tapping entrepreneurial spirit
Startup thinking is something CIOs and their enterprises hope to incorporate, but they must consider the rigors and challenges of embracing startup culture. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
12 Feb 2018
In praise of recommendation engines, AI with proven ROI
Is an infatuation with deep learning blinding CIOs to other, more accessible forms of AI, to wit: recommendation engines? So says digital transformation guru Isaac Sacolick. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Jan 2018
AI in the workplace: Try it, you'll like it
Google and its big tech compatriots know what we're up to much of the time; it won't be long before employers do too. Welcome to the future workplace; behold the quantified worker. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Jan 2018
The 2018 CIO budget plan: The goal is lofty, but is the money there?
Digital transformation and underlying technologies -- cloud, AI, DevOps -- dominate CIO strategies this year, but it's unclear whether CIO budgets are up to the task. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
10 Jan 2018
In digital era, CEO's job is to score with tech
Lisa Pearson, chief exec at data analytics company Umbel, discusses the CEO's job -- ever-slanting toward tech -- in a time of the "superpower consumer." Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Jan 2018
CIO: Adaptability essential to modernize IT structure
Darin Morrow discusses how he achieves one of his primary goals as Cricket Wireless CIO: Ensuring the company's IT structure defines and continuously improves business processes. Continue Reading
-
News
04 Jan 2018
CIO goals and IT resolutions for 2018
Seven CIOs plus one chief digital officer give us a glimpse of their technology plans for the new year. Continue Reading
-
News
01 Jan 2018
Top IT guidance for CIOs in 2017 underscores urgency of digitization
Digital transformation and the need for speed, scale and clear communication were the big topics explored in our top 10 CIO advice columns of 2017. Continue Reading
-
Feature
27 Oct 2017
Enterprise IT infrastructure: Outsource or upgrade for CIOs?
Intent-based networking and other emerging technologies offer new approaches to enterprise IT, but some CIOs are seeking innovation in cloud computing. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 Jun 2017
Run a hackathon event that pays off -- and draws women
IBM Watson Health's chief scientist explains how a hackathon event can pay dividends for a company, provided it's run right. Plus, advice on how to get more women to hackathons. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Jun 2017
The future of workplace structure: Cross-functional teams, AI impact
The digital workplace, including the CIO shop, is moving toward cross-functional collaboration, greater openness to outside contributors and the uptake of artificial intelligence. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 May 2017
Former Apple CEO discusses AI, leadership and experience marketing
Former Apple and Pepsi CEO John Sculley discusses how disruptive technologies and leadership styles are influencing industries far beyond IT. Continue Reading
-
Tip
27 Apr 2017
Executing strategies: Close the gap between vision and implementation
That vision thing won't do CIOs much good if they fail to execute on strategy, management experts say. Here's how to overcome the hurdles that can get in the way of success. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Mar 2017
Two IT leadership strategies that made me a successful CIO
A new way to prioritize IT activities and an epiphany about leadership made all the difference in Niel Nickolaisen's career as an IT leader. Read about these two IT leadership strategies. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Mar 2017
The power of positive four-letter words to unlock employee potential
Four-letter words like can't and don't crush an employee's potential and quash creativity. Have the courage to use positive four-letter words and watch what happens. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
06 Feb 2017
Reporting lines for the CDO role: Context counts
The chief data officer (CDO) role may be gaining influence, but a lingering question that both public and the private sector organizations have yet to answer is: Who should CDOs report to? ... Continue Reading
-
Answer
26 Jan 2017
What is the SIAM model and why do CIOs need it?
Multisourcing can boost IT and business agility, but the approach can also spiral out of control. The SIAM model aims to ensure delivery is seamless and strategic. Continue Reading
-
News
29 Dec 2016
Teaching leadership to Millennials? First, get used to them
Teaching leadership skills is critical in a changing world, MIT's John Van Maanen says, but coaching Millennials comes with unique challenges. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
29 Dec 2016
The commanding presence of quiet leaders
The MIT CFO Summit explores the inverse of the stereotypical extroverted leader and the effect that quiet leaders can have in an organization. Continue Reading
-
News
22 Dec 2016
Becoming a strategic CIO
Strategic CIOs create customer value, improve profit and enhance shareholder value. According to Phil Weinzimer, they jumped through four high hoops to get there. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
28 Nov 2016
To be leaders, technical professionals must move beyond IT expertise
Technical professionals sometimes flounder when adapting to leadership roles. Here are the four critical skills that they must strengthen to become high impact business leaders. Continue Reading
-
Guide
16 Nov 2016
Key IT metrics: A CIO guide
As technology and the business evolve, so do IT metrics. In this Essential Guide, learn how to navigate KPIs, IT investment and cloud cost optimization techniques. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Sep 2016
Become a change agent: Stop procrastinating
Don't be like the white-haired bride and groom who put off the big event until they could afford it. Now is the time for action, says organizational agility expert Joseph Flahiff. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Sep 2016
Macro trends HP is tracking: Urbanization, globalization, demographics
HP Inc. CTO Shane Wall weighs in on three big macro trends that are shaping the company's long-horizon strategy. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Jun 2016
Delegator vs. micromanager: What kind of boss are you?
Being a delegator is one of the hardest jobs for a leader. Joseph Flahiff explains. Continue Reading
-
News
20 May 2016
How three digital leaders overcame resistance to change
Digital leaders at CBS, IBM and SAP point to culture as one of the biggest digital transformation hurdles. Here's how they prevailed. Continue Reading
-
News
06 Apr 2016
Instagram roundup: Disruptive business models, digital investments
2016 Fusion CEO-CIO Symposium caught on Instagram: Follow along as senior news writer Nicole Laskowski chronicles sessions on disruptive business models and digital investments. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
30 Mar 2016
To beat odds, procurement officers should focus on value, not cost
Chief procurement officers (CPO) have a very short window of time in which to make their mark at a company: The average tenure is less than five years. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Mar 2016
Three keys to a good business reorganization
The typical reorg evokes fear, stress and suspicion -- and kills productivity. Here's how to change that. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Feb 2016
8 free IT budget plan templates for CIOs
Creating a reliable IT budget plan is no cinch, especially in today's digital age. Here, we've rounded up free, customizable IT budget templates to help. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Nov 2015
How organizational agility will save and destroy your company
Aiming for organizational agility? Prepare to change how you scope work, structure teams, develop talent, practice leadership, and deliver and sell your products. Continue Reading
-
Feature
19 Oct 2015
Building an online game platform: Startup caters to developers
The online game platform startup STOVE aims to solve the catch-22 of platform businesses by offering business assistance to its content producers, in addition to user analytics. Continue Reading
-
Guide
30 Sep 2015
A CIO's guide to enterprise cloud migration
Considering an enterprise cloud migration? This Essential Guide delves into the process and lays out best practices for getting the job done. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Sep 2015
Infographic: Strategic IT plan checklist for CIOs
A company's IT strategy can determine whether it sinks or floats in today's competitive marketplace. Download our free checklist to find out what components should be in your strategic IT plan. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Jul 2015
Duolingo cofounder explains crowdsourcing to the MIT crowd
When Luis von Ahn was 12, he dreamed of becoming a "gazillionaire" by building a chain of free gyms where the kinetic energy people expended on exercise equipment would be captured and sold to ... Continue Reading
-
Definition
31 Jul 2015
incremental innovation
Incremental innovation is the introduction of small improvements or upgrades to already existing products, services, processes or methods. Continue Reading
-
News
04 May 2015
The secret to becoming a 'digital master'? Close the IT/business gap.
Capgemini's Didier Bonnet shines a light on how businesses are mastering the digital transformation: The Data Mill reports from the CDO Summit. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
10 Mar 2015
Reverse mentoring turns Millennials into teachers
In 2007, Apple introduced its first generation iPhone. Yesterday, it announced the launch of its much-anticipated iWatch. It's just one example of how consumer technology is marching on at an ... Continue Reading
-
Tip
13 Feb 2015
Loss of focus chief reason for startup failure
Too much passion, too little passion, too many cooks -- there are many factors that can lead to loss of focus and, ultimately, to startup failure. Continue Reading
-
Feature
09 Feb 2015
Chief innovation officers need friends in high places
Hyatt, Merck and Nestlé Purina execs explain their business processes for innovation and detail why backing from on high is important. Continue Reading