Digital transformation
Digital transformation is a means of using digital technologies to innovate operations, products, services and processes and improve employee and customer experience. Here you can read news, guides and tips on how to lead digital transformation efforts. Learn how blockchain, AI, automation technologies and other tech fits into transformation projects.
Top Stories
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Podcast
30 Mar 2023
Digital twins of buildings can help decarbonize environment
John Turner and Anil Sawhney of the Digital Twin Consortium explain how deploying a digital twin of a building could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
28 Mar 2023
3 strategies CIOs can use to improve IT's efficiency
In uncertain times, CIOs need to take appropriate measures to improve IT efficiency. These practical strategies can also strengthen an organization's long-term goals. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2020
How ITSM services on mobile devices power employees, boost service
Delivering ITSM on mobile devices boosts productivity through the enterprise and will help CIOs drive digital transformation. Here's why and what you need to do. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2020
How to overcome the limitations of AI
AI may not become the super-intelligent tool people envisioned, at least not in the near term. But that doesn't mean enterprises can't use AI in some valuable ways. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2020
8 ways CIOs can use technology in meetings
Meetings can be frustrating, as they often lead to scheduling and technical complications -- but today, enterprises are utilizing technology in meeting rooms to make them more beneficial. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2020
Why cloud migration failures happen and how to prevent them
Companies are moving more applications than ever to the cloud, but many of these initiatives fail. Learn how to avoid making your own cloud migration mistakes. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2020
The evolution of RPA, from macros to process transformation
RPA evolved from technology debuted in the 1950s and '60s and was developed to today's standards by the industry's leading vendors. It's future? Think AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jan 2020
RPA bots: Unattended vs. attended vs. hybrid
CIOs and other IT leaders have their pick of attended, unattended and hybrid RPA platforms; this tip explains how each works and outlines their strengths and limitations. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2020
Quantum computing in business applications is coming
Quantum computers are closer than you think. While tech companies make progress toward building functioning machines, there are quantum applications that organizations can utilize. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2019
Robot workforce evolves from mimicking tasks to taking on jobs
A personalized robot workforce is in the works, thanks to advances in RPA. How should CIOs prepare for the next trend in robotic process automation? Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Dec 2019
Shell, Halliburton, Unibap AB execs share real-world AI strategies
Technology advances like quantum computing mean AI's best years are still to come, but that doesn't mean companies aren't already generating considerable benefit from AI today. Continue Reading
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Guide
02 Dec 2019
The technological evolution of IT industry leaders: 2000 - 2020
As technology has shifted since 2000, so have IT leaders. This guide looks at how Oracle, Cisco, Dell and SAP have adapted to emerging technologies and are preparing for 2020. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
Turning your business into a platform business
Leading Edge Forum offers four paths CIOs can take to develop the sophisticated ecosystems necessary to transform into a platform business. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2019
AR headsets: 5 tips to get you started
Still in their adolescence, augmented reality headsets are poised for a growth spurt. Will you be ready? Here are some tips for a successful deployment. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2019
Town of Falmouth pursues automation innovation to save costs
One Massachusetts town's embrace of automation, virtualization and other technology innovation provides an example for other entities and IT leaders to follow. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2019
Risk-based digital identity benefits CIOs, CMOs and customers
Asking customers to reaffirm their digital identities by sharing private information undermines CX and data security. Instead, use a risk-based approach to digital identity. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2019
Agile practices endure and continue to adapt
As the 20th anniversary of the Agile Manifesto approaches, Agile practices remain vital to software development and are being adapted to critical business functions outside of IT. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2019
Why CIOs need to adopt a process mining initiative
The father of process mining Wil van der Aalst weighs in on the future and explains why it's crucial for organizations to start process mining on a larger scale today. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Nov 2019
How quantum computing and machine learning boost each other
If you haven't started thinking about how quantum computing will impact your enterprise, you should. It's coming on rapidly and will have major effects, particularly on AI. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2019
5 tips on how to pick the right AI use cases
Businesses may not be ready to jump all in to AI just yet, so starting with individual projects can be a good place to start. What should CIOs look for in early-stage AI projects? Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2019
10 cloud migration process tips CIOs need to consider
Cloud migrations are never easy, especially for CIOs and IT leaders moving workloads to the cloud. To ensure your migration is a success, consider these 10 tips from cloud experts. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2019
Failures must be expected in pursuit of digital innovation
A culture of innovation starts at the top. It's up to CIOs and other leaders to encourage innovative practices and to organize teams in ways that support digital innovation. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Oct 2019
Adobe, Uber on the challenges of digital transformation
Digital transformation initiatives may be all the rage in the enterprise, but they also pose significant challenges to CIOs and others who have to manage the transition. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2019
Achieving business value from cognitive collaboration
CIOs can take advantage of AI to improve employee and customer collaboration with cognitive capabilities that are now available from vendors such as Microsoft, Google and Facebook. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2019
3 ways to use quantum technology features in your enterprise
While quantum computers aren't available just yet, there are other properties to consider, such as quantum sensors and quantum copies, that are being utilized around the world today. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2019
Why digital customer experience is now part of a CIO's job
Delivering a high-quality digital customer experience is becoming a key responsibility for IT leaders, say leading technology executives. AI and error budgets will come in handy. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Oct 2019
6 ways AI and automation could improve process mining
Creating a digital twin of your enterprise, identifying automation candidates for RPA and connecting isolated tasks into processes are a few ways CIOs can advance process discovery. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Sep 2019
Squads, pods, cells? Making sense of Agile teams
Workers are now organized in new types of groups as a result of the movement known as Agile at scale. However, to succeed, the changes have to be more than in name only. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2019
Book excerpt: Communication structures of an organization
The following is an excerpt from 'Team Topologies: Organizing Business and Technology Teams for Fast Flow,' by Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais, as well as a Q&A with the authors. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2019
CIOs talk public sector innovation at Pluralsight conference
If you think city and state governments are reluctant to adopt new technology and the innovations that brings with it, there are forward-looking CIOs who want to set you straight. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Sep 2019
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
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Tip
26 Aug 2019
5 ways CIOs can take their AI project to the next level
We've covered the basics for CIOs getting started with AI -- now, we're taking a look at the potential challenges they may face and how they can prepare for and mitigate them. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2019
How to deal with the lack of chatbot standards
A lack of standards around chatbot development has created a situation in which enterprises are building and rebuilding bots. But that could change in the near future. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2019
RPA journey: Schneider Electric's global plan taps Blue Prism, UiPath
Schneider Electric, a multinational energy management company, has embarked on a robotic process automation journey, establishing a global team to evaluate RPA use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2019
Blurring the lines between RPA platforms and APIs
RPA is quickly making itself known in the automation market, but the real game changer is utilizing the technology in an API-rich environment to deliver a more seamless experience. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2019
How one CIO overcame the challenges of shadow apps
CIO John Rathje explains how he's tackling shadow IT challenges in the recruiting admissions process at Kent State by deploying a data integration tier that supports data movement. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2019
Efficiency vs. effectiveness in business: Which comes first?
Operational efficiency gains do not equate to operational effectiveness. Expert Dan Morris explains efficiency vs. effectiveness in business process automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2019
AI for decision-making shows promise, but worker trust an issue
Companies like Walmart are using AI for decision-making in business processes, but the discipline is new and workers are wary. Experts offer ways to build trust. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2019
Amid pivot to the cloud, a change management plan builds support
A comprehensive change management plan was critical to the success of SoulCycle's big shift to the cloud. Read how IT coached employees to change the way they worked. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2019
Automation Anywhere's Microsoft pact indicative of hot RPA market
RPA vendor Automation Anywhere said it's poised to take full advantage of the burgeoning RPA market. Its recent deal with Microsoft is just one indication of RPA's popularity. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jul 2019
Criteria for success in AI: Industry best practices
Is it useful to study how companies outside of your industry are applying AI? Experts from Shell, Uber and Fellow Robots believe so. Read about their criteria for success in AI. Continue Reading
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Video
28 Jun 2019
Law firm CIO says RPA investment delivering 'material benefits'
CIO Vince DiMascio describes how investment in RPA is optimizing legal processes and serving as the glue for integrating business systems at Berry Appelman & Leiden. Continue Reading
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Video
28 Jun 2019
Law firm CIO successfully deploys RPA and AI to improve client service
Vince DiMascio, CIO at Berry Appleman & Leiden, details how his team is using natural language processing, machine learning and RPA to help deliver top-notch legal services. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2019
New BPMS architecture is answer to 'future-proofing' the enterprise
An aging, complex IT environment needed to become more nimble -- and remain stable. A months-long project using a new BPMS architecture pointed the way. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2019
AI's carbon footprint will be an issue for enterprises
AI is touted as the tech that will help us combat global warming, but training AI models requires a shocking amount of energy. What are the implications for enterprise AI strategies? Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jun 2019
Enterprises need to plan for deepfake technology
Politicians and Hollywood stars aren't the only ones at risk: Enterprises need to understand the dangers deepfakes pose to their brands and employees. Here's a primer. Continue Reading
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Video
18 Jun 2019
Mercer's 'digital core' built on cloud, microservices, APIs, talent
Mercer's chief digital officer, Gail Evans, discusses how the HR giant is building a 'digital core' to replace legacy systems and arm its workforce to thrive in a digital economy. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 Jun 2019
CIOs need a strategy for AR and VR use cases -- now
CIOs need to start thinking about AR and VR and other immersive technologies as the new enterprise UI. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2019
AI in IT infrastructure transforms how work gets done
Cutting through the hype around AI has become a major job for IT leaders. Our in-depth guide on where and how to add AI to your IT infrastructure will help. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2019
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
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News
10 Jun 2019
In-depth look at what the Oracle-Microsoft agreement means to CIOs
The Oracle-Microsoft deal could solve technical problems that curtail cloud strategies, letting CIOs focus on business criteria. It could also introduce new complexity. Continue Reading
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Video
04 Jun 2019
Automating business processes a top priority for BCBS of Mass. CIO
Beth O'Rorke, CIO at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, said operational efficiency is a top five priority. One of her approaches? Automating business processes. Continue Reading
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News
31 May 2019
Move to cloud computing lifts SoulCycle, Middlesex Health productivity
At the recent MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, fitness company SoulCycle and Middlesex Health recount how cloud has become a workforce enabler. Continue Reading
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News
30 May 2019
Google's John Solomon redefines the cloud worker for CIOs at MITCIO
Who is a cloud worker? According to Google's John Solomon, CIOs are shortchanging their companies by not enabling virtually every worker today to use the cloud to do their jobs. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2019
Expect graph database use cases for the enterprise to take off
Digital giants use graph databases: Traditional businesses not so much. Learn what graph tools do and why graph database use cases should be on every CIO's radar. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2019
The C-suite case for hiring a chief customer officer: 5 elements
Delivering world-class digital customer experiences has become job No. 1 for companies. Nemertes' Robin Gareiss makes the case for putting a chief customer officer in charge. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2019
Deep learning pioneer Fei-Fei Li on the fundamentals of ethical AI
AI luminary Fei-Fei Li was among a group of distinguished AI researchers asked to share their thoughts on how to develop ethical AI. The right data and careful observation help. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2019
Andrew Ng's AI playbook for the enterprise: 6 must-dos
AI legend and online education pioneer Andrew Ng has developed an AI playbook for businesses. Here are six must-dos. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 May 2019
5G enables AR and VR for the enterprise: CIO primer
Lag time and the inability to accommodate multiple users have limited AR and VR for enterprise use. 5G will change that, spurring new ways of working and of serving customers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2019
When does the state of quantum computing become relevant for CIOs?
What do CIOs need to know about the state of quantum computing? Forrester Research provides some guidance. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2019
The shift to edge computing is happening fast -- here's why
Whether you call it the Fourth Industrial Revolution or digital transformation, enterprise IT is being changed fast, and forever, and edge computing is a big reason why. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2019
IoT, machine learning, MookieBot triple threat for Red Sox IT in 2019
Red Sox IT chief Brian Shield talks about the next leg of the franchise's digital transformation: using IoT and machine learning to serve fans and sharpen at-bats. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2019
How the Red Sox built a winning digital transformation roadmap
Years before it became a thing, Red Sox IT chief Brian Shield came up with a digital transformation roadmap that positioned the storied team for DX success. Continue Reading
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News
24 Apr 2019
Pointers on becoming a transformational CIO, pitfalls to avoid
A panel of CIO experts explore the role of the transformational CIO. Understanding organizational change and being plugged in are big factors. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2019
RPA software harnesses the potential of a digital workforce
RPA software cuts costs, boosts efficiency and frees employees from mind-numbing tasks. But governance challenges must be faced. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2019
Problems with blockchain and how they're being solved
Do you know about the blockchain trilemma? David Petersson looks at some of the problems with blockchain and how cutting-edge companies are tackling them. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
How to achieve digital transformation -- with CIO as linchpin
Companies achieve digital transformation along two dimensions -- through operational efficiency and offering a great customer experience. Getting there can be an uphill battle. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2019
Blockchain and AI combined solve problems inherent in each
David Petersson explains how blockchain could be used to democratize access to big data -- and make AI breakthroughs the province of many, instead of just a handful of tech giants. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2019
Capital One's cloud strategy advances to tap emerging tech
Capital One's cloud strategy continues to evolve as the financial powerhouse taps into emerging tech to improve customer experience. Read the step-by-step details of its journey. Continue Reading
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News
25 Mar 2019
JOANN Stores hires new CIO to push customer experience strategy
JOANN Stores' announcement of a new CIO hire is another signal that engaging customers is increasingly part of the CIO portfolio. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2019
Comparing chatbots vs. virtual assistants vs. conversational agents
Is a conversational agent the same as a chatbot or a virtual assistant? Not exactly. IBM Watson VP and CTO Rob High explains the differences. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2019
The urgent need for enterprise AI governance -- and where to start
By 2022, 65% of CIOs will be tasked with modernizing governance policies to reflect the risks and opportunities posed by AI technologies. Here's why it can't be a one-person job. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2019
Google Empathy Lab uses 'design feeling' in search of a more human UI
Google Empathy Lab's Danielle Krettek touted the next big thing in UI design at the Wisdom 2.0 event: tech that feels your pain or happiness -- or whatever. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2019
Confronting big tech's role in digital addiction and digital wellness
Heard at Wisdom 2.0: Former Google employee Tristan Harris believes big tech needs to confront its role in promoting digital addiction and get serious about digital wellness. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Mar 2019
Value stream mapping vs. process mapping to drive process innovation
What's the difference between value stream mapping vs. process mapping? One is focused on making an existing process more efficient, while the other dissects the value of each step. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2019
BPM tools mitigate business disruption amid digital transformation
A major challenge in digital transformation is avoiding harmful disruption to the business while doing the work of creating a new business/IT operating model. BPM tools can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2019
Next-gen RPA bots automating job roles, not just tasks
RPA is moving beyond automating tasks to automating big pieces of certain job positions. Case in point: Automation Anywhere's new offering of Digital Workers. Continue Reading
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News
18 Feb 2019
Accenture predicts post-digital age where trust is the differentiator
The latest Accenture Technology Vision report calls out 'DARQ' technologies as the new must-have for CIOs and underscores the importance of building digital trust. Continue Reading
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News
15 Feb 2019
Succeed at implementing RPA: Top tips from execs at IBM Think
Implementing RPA requires planning and coordination between multiple parts of the business to be effective. Execs at IBM Think share tips on how to craft a winning RPA strategy. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2019
Change management is critical to optimizing a digital workforce
In part two of his Ask the Expert discussion of working alongside chatbots, cobots and AI, IBM's Gene Chao focuses on the importance of change management. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Feb 2019
Managing the automated workplace: Humans vs. chatbots vs. cobots
Who's afraid of the automated workplace? IBM's Gene Chao answers questions on how chatbots, cobots and AI are impacting jobs and why hybrid labor requires new management skills. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2019
AI bots: How GE is adapting traditional management to AI
To get a handle on its AI strategy, GE is making AI more human: It's creating AI bots and assigning them to managers. Challenges abound. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2019
Should your company hire a chief AI officer?
Aramark's newly appointed chief AI officer, along with senior IT leaders from Kohl's, eBay and Square, make the case for an AI expert in the C-suite: Title may not be required. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2019
21st-century CIO job description puts CIOs in vortex of emerging tech
The ban against pursuing tech for tech's sake -- it's been lifted. CIOs need to dive into emerging tech to extract its business potential. Welcome to the new CIO job description. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jan 2019
RPA bots vs. case management -- both have value, one is transformative
RPA bots save costs, boost productivity and can improve customer experience. What they don't do is provide the transformational process change most companies need today, says Don Schuerman. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2019
How to use AI in your business in 2019 -- AI sweet spots
Step one in figuring out how to use AI in your business is to know what AI can and can't do today. David Petersson lays out 2019's AI sweet spots for enterprise decision-makers. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2019
Barclays Bank takes a crack at IBM's quantum computer
Quantum computing may one day explain the universe. Today, the biggest challenge for an early adopter is making the problem sufficiently simple to run on a quantum computer. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2019
CIOs share their 2019 tech resolutions
We asked five CIOs to share their tech resolutions for the new year. Ambition is sky high. Projects include RPA, AI that can handle sensitive data, scaling the business and more. Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2019
5 IT trends shaping 2019 CIO strategies
Tech executives sound off on the IT trends they see shaping CIO strategies in 2019. AI and cloud loom large, but the test for CIOs is not just technical. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jan 2019
Top drivers of digital transformation projects have inward focus
Our IT Priorities Survey shows that close to 70% of companies are pursuing digital transformation. Learn what metrics they're targeting and how they're spending 2019 IT budgets. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
5 cloud computing predictions, trends for 2019
From rapid multi-cloud adoption to enterprises getting smarter about workload migration strategies, experts sound off on key cloud computing trends to watch out for in 2019. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Dec 2018
IT vs. business: Who owns the machine learning capability?
You can't have machine learning without help from IT, but the discipline is bigger than IT. Practitioners weigh in on who owns the machine learning capability. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2018
Top CIO articles of the year focus on cutting-edge AI, IT disruption
What were CIOs focused on in 2018? Cutting-edge AI was top of mind. IT disruption and industry bombshells loomed large. Here are the top 10 CIO articles of the year. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2018
Top 10 SearchCIO videos: IT industry leaders share DX advice
Get digital transformation strategy advice from IT industry leaders in this roundup of our top 10 most popular SearchCIO videos from 2018. Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
2018 tech events: The year in photos
Did you hit the road in 2018 to learn about IT trends? We did. This photo roundup takes a look back at some of the notable moments from SearchCIO's tech event coverage. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2018
Top CIO tips in 2018 zero in on AI challenges, opportunities
Expert advice on AI problems and rewards dominated our 10 most popular CIO tips on SearchCIO in 2018. Read our summary of the tips and follow the links to the detailed coverage. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2018
2018's top blogs highlight goals, obstacles to modern CIO strategies
SearchCIO's top 2018 blog posts provide a glimpse into how evolving technology and the digital transformation of business processes are influencing CIO strategies. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Dec 2018
What are the benefits of serverless computing?
At the recent Gartner Symposium, analyst Arun Chandrasekaran highlighted the benefits of serverless computing and delineated the factors driving enterprise interest in serverless. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2018
BPMS architecture modernizes legacy tech, makes IT more strategic
The technology of the past put humans on the moon, but it's bringing businesses to a breaking point. Here's why CIOs should consider a BPMS architecture to modernize legacy systems. Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2018
Lottery.com eyeing blockchain for charity games to boost transparency
Online mobile lottery service Lottery.com wants to use blockchain as a service to bolster a new business initiative: expanding into games for charities. Read about the challenges and payoffs. Continue Reading
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Podcast
03 Dec 2018
Why AI for social good is a thing
Tech companies love to promote their use of AI for social good. CMU's Fei Fang talks about why the ethics of AI is such a tricky topic in the final episode of 'Schooled in AI.' Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Nov 2018
Adobe CFO John Murphy on CFO role as digital transformation evangelist
Adobe's John Murphy discusses the CFO role in digital transformation at the recent MIT Sloan CFO Summit. One new aspect of his job: He's out there selling digital transformation. Continue Reading