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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Video
26 Apr 2024
MVP vs. prototype: What's the difference?
While some people mistakenly use the terms MVP and prototype interchangeably, there are key differences between a minimum viable product and a prototype for your product. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Apr 2024
Ukraine IT services firms target new markets as exports drop
Ukrainian IT services firms are eyeing new geographic markets and exploring digital transformation as the war and a difficult economy shrink international sales. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2018
Airbnb incorporates tech to help build digital trust in data economy
Automated bots have made it difficult to determine whether someone online is real, but Airbnb is turning to tech to help build digital trust among its customers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Deep neural networks, speed limit signs and training on the fly
Because of data and compute power requirements, training a deep learning algorithm doesn't typically happen on so-called edge devices such as smartphones or drones. But Neurala Inc., a deep ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Vendor briefing on standardizing processes for RPA services
Robotic process automation (RPA) services promise eye-popping returns on investment. Here, a veteran business process improvement expert talks about his experiences in preparing Fortune 100 ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Serverless computing architecture won't kill containers
As a way of building applications, serverless computing architecture is gaining in popularity. But it won't replace containers or any other development method, Red Hat's Rich Sharples says. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Artificial intelligence strategies tackle 'reasonable goals' -- not moonshots
The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit I've been writing about recently was filled with prescriptive advice for data analytics leaders. Much of that advice, unsurprisingly, was focused on the ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
AI voice assistants won't just book your meetings, they'll partake in them
Imagine asking Cortana about your revenue last quarter. That could be the future, according to Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular. At the Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, Sicular discussed some of ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Serverless computing model puts the developer in the driver's seat
The application design method is all the rage in IT circles. A former developer sounds off on what it's good for -- and what it isn't. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Mar 2018
Savvy reasons not to use public cloud platforms
Going to the cloud could lead to business benefits aplenty. Yet, for some, sticking to terra firma may be the solid choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Machine learning use cases, touch-text-talk on Box CIO's to-do list
Intuitive interfaces, automating menial work so people can focus on big ideas, finding AI and machine learning use cases -- Box CIO Paul Chapman's to-do list is awesome. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Box CIO talks IT innovation and pressures in an 'all-cloud' environment
Box CIO Paul Chapman discusses the demands of running IT at a company that was 'born digital' and why an 'all-cloud' environment doesn't preclude having to manage legacy IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Digital transformation for insurance: Idaho firm opts for HCI
An Idaho-based property and casualty insurance company has swapped out its VMware infrastructure and separate storage systems for hyper-converged hardware from Scale Computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2018
Rapid prototyping process brings technology to life
Carnegie Mellon University's Chris Harrison and his team are developing the user interfaces of the future. He explains why a rapid prototyping process is critical to building technology that changes lives. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Mar 2018
Artificial intelligence and machine learning forge path to a better UI
Carnegie Mellon University's Chris Harrison talks about the future of the user interface in this episode of 'Schooled in AI.' Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Mar 2018
Today's great cloud challenge: The hybrid IT puzzle
Companies are still in an early phase of a big cloud challenge: managing a mishmash of public and private cloud systems and data centers. And they may have to wait on vendors to help tackle it. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2018
Intel debuts new nGraph compiler for neural networks models
Built on open source software, Intel's new nGraph DNN compiler takes aim at Nvidia's advantage by making it easier to run neural networks on different kinds of hardware. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Mar 2018
What technical challenges face voice AI technology? There are many
Conversational AI will change enterprise communications -- eventually. In the meantime, Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular details the areas where voice AI technology needs to grow. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Conversational AI: Start by enlisting the big vendors
It's time to develop a conversational AI strategy, according to Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular. Her advice: Stay focused on the business case and lean on the AI platform vendors. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Machine learning algorithms: New tool for fighting cyberthreats?
As hackers use increasingly sophisticated tech to tap into corporate data, machine learning platforms can help companies fight fire with fire by detecting cyberthreats early on. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2018
Voxbone tech chief: Customer service is the new job of CIO
The job of CIO is changing all right, and cloud computing is hastening that transition. Today, IT leaders are using cloud to solve old problems -- and form new bonds with the business. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2018
How cloud is changing the role of the CIO today
Cloud has had a colossal impact on IT -- for starters, it's changed how it works and what it can pull off. And its effect on the role of the CIO today is no less transformational. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2018
Biometric security technology readies for corporate prime time
Companies are turning to biometric security technology to improve user authentication and experience, but its use presents unique challenges that could slow enterprise adoption. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2018
Daniel Pink: How the science of timing can boost productivity
At the recent Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, best-selling author Daniel Pink urged digital leaders to follow the science of timing -- and spread the word. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
Natural-language processing technology boosts BI at Penn Medicine
Natural-language processing technology lets Penn Medicine tap unstructured data, improving its analytics and patient care. Success required a multidisciplinary effort. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
Who needs a tech futurist? In today's world, you do
A Chicago consulting outfit hires a tech futurist to help clients prepare for the fast-coming next waves of technology. But looking at the future to prepare today isn't just for consultants. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
Security best practices to guide your digital transformation journey
With more companies embarking on a digital transformation journey, enterprise data is being spread across devices, systems and even in the cloud. As a result, focusing security efforts on ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Mar 2018
Eying lower costs of cloud computing, Informatica to curb overbuying resources
Overprovisioning pushes up the costs of cloud computing. But stopping the practice completely would result in damage of a different sort. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2018
Gartner: Machine learning platforms are in demand, market is in flux
The market for data science and machine learning platforms is in flux. According to a new report by the research outfit Gartner, the more established players are being usurped by nimble players ... Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
Digital labor transforms IT, but not without careful prep
Robotic process automation can replace humans with software bots that are always on and always right, says believer Gerson Benker, but be prepared for major organizational change. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
Deep learning projects: Cloud-based AI or dedicated hardware?
Are deep learning projects part of your AI agenda this year? Here's how to evaluate the tradeoffs between using cloud-based AI infrastructure versus dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
For IT chief, the goal is to deliver business value
Waste Industries' Hubert Barkley discusses the CIO role and tech projects that increase efficiency in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
At Waste Industries, digital transformation initiatives rooted in trust
Getting the business to buy the notion of business-enabling technology comes before big, flashy wins, IT chief Hubert Barkley says in this interview. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Feb 2018
What is 'ground truth' in AI and deep learning?
'Ground truth' is the bedrock of AI and deep learning. Carnegie Mellon professor Tom Mitchell explains the term and its significance with an example from healthcare. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2018
Survey: Customer service chatbots aren't crowd-pleasers -- yet
A recent survey by Chatbots.org found that less than half of consumers find chatbots effective. What does that mean for CIOs trying to integrate the technology? Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Feb 2018
Needed for a future near you: More precise, efficient IT
Pundits have said it: Building a more efficient IT is crucial against a backdrop of digital rivals. One IT leader is working hard at it. Here's to following his lead. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
How to create the best RPA architecture
Enterprises are embracing robotic process automation to automate rules-based, repetitive tasks in a cost-efficient manner. ROI depends on having the right RPA architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2018
What do the new AI chips mean for CIOs? Homework, for starters
New AI chips promise to put deep learning initiatives in better reach of enterprises. But they aren't applicable to all AI projects and, in some cases, are inferior to CPUs and GPUs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Feb 2018
AI in the enterprise: A framework for success
Developing an AI use case that lays out what the project will cost, the value it will provide and the potential risks it will bring can be a head scratcher for CIOs. AI in the enterprise is ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2018
Gartner's AI 'value chain' offers schema for assessing an AI project
Analyst Bern Elliot encourages CIOs to approach AI the way a financial advisor approaches an investment portfolio -- with a mix of high-risk and low-risk projects. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2018
Cloud, app dev highlight IT budget management priorities for 2018
TechTarget's exclusive 2018 IT Priorities survey sheds some light on IT budget management plans for the data center, cloud projects and hybrid technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2018
Digital transformation plan: RPA and BPMS tools, better together
A sound digital transformation plan gives companies the ability to change quickly. Business process management suites and robotic process automation -- used together -- do that. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2018
Deep learning algorithms power startup's beauty database
Deep learning algorithms are changing how we drive cars and navigate outer space. What about saving our skin? Silicon Valley startup Proven Beauty has a plan. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Feb 2018
Understanding of cloud computing ERP clearing -- but still foggy
Companies drawn to the centralizing simplicity of cloud computing ERP need to fully grasp the characteristics that make it different from on-premises software, according to the Cloud Security Alliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2018
Cloud ERP systems present 'business-critical' security challenges
Where does the data live? Who -- the provider or the customer -- is responsible for securing what? They're vital questions to ask when mulling a cloud move, a new report posits. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2018
Software robot tech arrives: Are CIOs ready?
RPA technology is coming of age and becoming a strategic play in the public and private sectors. The task for CIOs is to make sure deployments are enterprise-grade. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2018
Red Hat CIO talks open hybrid cloud, next-generation IT
Deploying his company's open hybrid cloud product, preparing for next-generation IT, building an 'inclusive meritocracy' -- Red Hat CIO Mike Kelly talks turkey with SearchCIO. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2018
Blockchain implementation: Connecting the missing DLT links
Blockchain implementation is helping streamline governance processes, but a few questions must be answered first to take full advantage of distributed ledger technology. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2018
Study: CIO and CTO execs, procurement pros ID common pain points
An Insight Enterprises survey of CIO and CTO executives and procurement professionals finds agreement between IT and business operations on typical technology pain points. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Feb 2018
Cloud computing ecosystem: Greater than the sum of its parts
The cloud affords companies the freedom to try new things fast. But they also risk "totally losing control," says analyst Liz Herbert. A cloud computing ecosystem imposes a sense of order. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2018
Critical elements CIOs need to build an AI team
Top-notch recruiters, organizational structures that engender trust, and attention to ethics are key to ensuring your AI team succeeds. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jan 2018
Cloud computing interoperability, portability key to multi-cloud unity
Companies struggling with multiple cloud services need to strive for cloud computing interoperability and portability, the Cloud Standards Customer Council says. First up – define the terms. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jan 2018
The race to marry AI and cloud computing is on
Amazon, Microsoft and Google are in a race to ally AI and cloud computing by incorporating deep learning, machine learning and other AI functionality into their product offerings, giving developers ... Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2018
Among AI use cases that matter to CIOs, ITSM ranks high
AI use cases for your ITSM program abound, but early adopters caution that vendor offerings are immature and will require hands-on testing for best results. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
CIOs need an AI infrastructure, but it won't come easy
From picking vendors to upskilling staff, folding an AI infrastructure into enterprise architectures isn't simple. Experts at the recent ReWork Deep Learning Summit zero in on the issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2018
Architecture firm taps AEC technology to drive digital strategy
Arcadis CIO Justin Wright's pioneering use of architecture, construction and engineering technology brings buildings to life -- and the firm's digital strategy up to speed. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Jan 2018
Digital epidemiology takes on the flu with help from you
John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and a professor of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School, is a notable digital epidemiology researcher. It's a ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Jan 2018
Not all types of artificial intelligence are created equal
Among the many types of artificial intelligence, unsupervised machine learning will test our capacity to trust machines. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2018
Prepare now for an AI-assisted ITSM strategy
What does it mean to have an AI-assisted ITSM strategy? Pink Elephant's Jennifer Wels outlines seven areas where AI can be applied to ITSM. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Jan 2018
Trying to wrap your brain around AI? CMU has an AI stack for that
In this episode of 'Schooled in AI,' Andrew Moore, dean of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, talks about the benefits of the AI stack. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2018
Some may not know it, but companies want CIOs with cloud expertise
Organizations know what benefits cloud computing can bring -- and they're seeking out IT leaders with cloud expertise to make them a reality. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2018
'Patient journey' propels hospital's digital transformation
The chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital explains how digital technologies are changing the 'patient journey' for the better. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2018
CES 2018 for CIOs: Rise of the AI voice assistant class
What happens in Vegas doesn't stay there -- not at CES 2018, where AI voice assistants and sentient objects were ubiquitous and the crossover to workforces was obvious. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2018
CIO plans for AI projects in 2018 push the envelope
SearchCIO interviews with leading IT executives suggest continued strong investment in AI projects -- and an important role for CIOs in developing an enterprise-wide AI strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2017
How GE digital transformation won over the sales force
A major part of the GE digital transformation is getting its 25,000 salespeople on board as it rethinks its vast commercial sales function. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2017
Why EA should take the lead on improving customer experience
The business shift to digital goods and services gives IT a critical role in improving the customer experience. Here's why CIOs are assigning enterprise architecture the job. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2017
Reshape the role of the PMO for the digital era
The project management office needs a new mandate to be a player in digital transformation. Matt McWha offers advice on how to rethink the role of the PMO. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2017
Get a grip on evaluating cloud management platforms
Software for managing multicloud computing environments can help companies tame the tumult. An industry expert gives tips on how to assess products. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jul 2017
Out of many, one hybrid cloud management platform
A hybrid cloud management platform must mix well with business systems, give financial guidance and make security a priority, industry experts say. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jul 2017
Highs and lows of the digital innovation process
The digital innovation process has made organizations more agile, but the shift could present its own set of IT challenges for modern companies. Genpact's Gianni Giacomelli explains why. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 May 2017
Instagram
Instagram is a free, online photo-sharing application and social network platform that was acquired by Facebook in 2012. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 May 2017
'Proof of value' -- not proof of concept -- key to RPA technology
Companies interested in robotic process automation (RPA) technology get fixated on proving it works, not its business value. Here's how to fix that. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2017
A cloud implementation methodology for legacy apps
Maximizing the benefits of cloud while minimizing risk requires a fine-tuned migration strategy. Here, Scott Lowe lays out a cloud implementation methodology for legacy apps. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Apr 2017
Nestlé builds 'digital ecosystems' to transform its massive bottled water biz
ReadyRefresh, the name for Nestle S.A's re-imagined bottled water delivery business, will succeed based on its mastery of three digital ecosystems. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2017
Unclouding: How one company reversed the cloud migration process
As cloud use matures, more companies are considering scaling back and starting a reverse cloud migration process. Here is one IT officer's 'unclouding' experience. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Mar 2017
The new products development process and IT innovation
Most people don't know what their company's business objectives are. But for IT to contribute to a successful new products development process, your team needs to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2017
Break the bottleneck with this new IT/business engagement model
CIO teams need to interact more directly with business stakeholders -- from the digital sophisticates to the digital naïfs. Here are five elements of a new business engagement model. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2017
Product line management is fundamental to the new IT operating model
Digital transformation requires CIOs to rethink the way IT operates. At the center of the new IT operating model is product line management, explains CEB's Matt McWha. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Feb 2017
Data transparency is the lifeblood of new information economy
Many companies have invested in the analytics infrastructure that helps turn data into a business asset. Now what? Gartner's Debra Logan offers insight. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2017
Social movements offer CIOs a model for sustaining innovation
How to sustain innovation is a challenge for startups and large companies alike. Studying the ties that bind social and political movements could help. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Dec 2016
Reddit
Reddit is a social news website and forum where content is socially curated and promoted by site members through voting. Continue Reading
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Video
30 Nov 2016
The impact of mobile technology on business operations
The impact of mobile technology on business is becoming more evident as mobile computing moves to take over the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2016
Samsung Note 7 disaster a CIO parable about quality assurance
Reasons for the Samsung Note 7 disaster are not fully known, but experts are certain of this: A shoddy quality assurance process can kill you. Also: Gig economy up; PC orders down; Amazon stores a-coming. Continue Reading
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Guide
07 Oct 2016
From blockchain to RPA: A look at cutting-edge tech and the enterprise
Cutting-edge tech has become a competitive advantage. Here's four technologies that should be on your radar. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Sep 2016
How blockchain works: An infographic explainer
Understanding how a blockchain works is the first step in taking advantage of the technology. Learn how a blockchain unit of value moves from party A to party B. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Sep 2016
Robotic process automation technology gets to work
Robotic process automation technology can eliminate or speed up routine digital tasks now performed by humans. Finding RPA sweet spots and the right tools is the CIO challenge. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2016
Mobile security issues and solutions
Mobile technology usage is growing just as the number of threats facing mobile data is growing. CIOs must combat mobile security issues to stay ahead in the mobile-dominated world. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jan 2016
Assessing the cost of private cloud
The high cost of private cloud requires a ton of due diligence on the part of CIOs and business partners. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2015
executive leadership
Executive leadership is the ability of an organization's management to guide and motivate employees while meeting organizational goals. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
24 Sep 2015
KPMG: Death of BPO at the hands of RPA
Bangalore, Delhi, Manila, Cebu City, Shanghai. CIOs have traveled far afield in search of cheap labor for business process outsourcing (BPO). But according to a recent report from Cliff Justice, ... Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2015
The platform business model: An introduction
Airbnb does it; Uber does it. What about your organization? Sangeet Paul Choudary lays out the fundamentals of the platform business model. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Apr 2015
Ten analytics success stories in a nutshell
Analytics success stories from the likes of Burberry, CBS, Coca-Cola and L'Oreal. The Data Mill reports. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Mar 2015
The digital effect on the BPM lifecycle
Digitization has fundamentally changed how businesses operate, but is the same true for business process management? Here's why the BPM lifecycle remains the same. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2015
Private cloud termination agreement: What CIOs need to know
Relationships between companies and their cloud providers can be fleeting. Knowing this, it's important for CIOs to think about exit strategies before they sign that cloud contract. David Rutchik, a partner at Pace Harmon LLC, offers advice. Continue Reading
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Quiz
30 Jan 2015
SMAC strategy and governance: A CIO quiz
The intersection of social, mobile, analytics and cloud is transforming IT strategies. Are you properly governing your SMAC strategy? Take this quiz to find out. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Dec 2014
7-Eleven guru's eight-step program for building an innovation team
IT innovation is on every CIO's agenda -- or it should be. Before plotting your strategy, consider these eight tips from 7-Eleven's innovation guru. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Oct 2013
Creative destruction and the cloud: Why it's a good thing
The creative destruction brought on by the cloud is an imperative and unavoidable part of your IT and business strategy. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Oct 2013
Cloud: A disruptive technology that's worth the disruption
Cloud computing is a disruptive technology that promises to upend the enterprise, but the upsides are worth the risk. Continue Reading
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News
05 Aug 2013
Netflix uses the OODA loop to stay ahead of the competition
OODA loops, the death of the IT department and personal privacy. The Data Mill brings news from the Gartner Catalyst conference. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jul 2013
newsfeed
A news feed (newsfeed) is list of newly published content on a website. End users can receive push updates for new content on a site by subscribing to the site's news feed. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2012
Free mobile device policy template examples for CIOs
Is the influx of mobile devices out of control at your organization? These free mobile device policy template examples can help you create guidelines. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Oct 2012
group think
Group think (also spelled groupthink) is a phenomenon that occurs when group's need for consensus supersedes the judgment of individual group members. Continue Reading