Information technology outsourcing
Businesses' technical requirements are a big drain on resources, leading some companies to turn to information technology outsourcing and allow third party service providers to handle IT infrastructure development. Read the latest news and tips to answer your IT outsourcing questions, including advice on when to seek IT operations services from outside the organization.
Top Stories
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Tip
14 Jun 2022
How to create a proof of concept with 6 free templates
What is a proof of concept and how does it help an organization? Here we dive into the importance of writing a POC and provide a list of free templates to help get you started. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2021
EU's Digital Markets Act could affect US job growth
Experts argue that the European Commission's Digital Markets Act, which aims to curb the influence of powerful tech giants, might have unintended consequences. 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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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
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News
19 Mar 2019
MIT CIO 2019: Scaling AI and data to build the 'smart enterprise'
The theme of MIT Sloan CIO Symposium 2019 is 'leading the smarter enterprise.' We caught up with event chair Lindsey Anderson to find out what that means. 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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Feature
14 Mar 2019
AI security tech is making waves in incident response
Experts weigh in on the latest smart cybersecurity tools -- how they work, the implications for your IT security team and whether the investment is worth the expense. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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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Blog Post
28 Feb 2019
The big data paradox, or why no one thought Trump would win
It's commonly assumed that statistical analysis improves as sample size grows. But big data isn't always better data. A Harvard statistician explains why it's not that simple. Continue Reading
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News
25 Feb 2019
UNICEF investment in 6 blockchain startups extends mission
UNICEF's investment in blockchain startups extends its mission and also underscores the particularity of scenarios where blockchain promises to be the optimal solution. 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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Tip
18 Feb 2019
How AI cybersecurity thwarts attacks -- and how hackers fight back
IT leaders are using AI to take security to the next level. But how much security can AI provide? David Petersson examines where AI cybersecurity excels and how it can be fooled. 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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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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
31 Dec 2018
Learning from 2018 cybersecurity incidents: Perform due diligence
Cybersecurity incidents continued to plague companies in 2018. Experts weigh in on the lessons learned and consumer responses to the largest information security breaches of the year. 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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Feature
21 Dec 2018
A tour through the PPM software marketplace
Finding the right PPM software is vital to project success. Here's a close look at the market leaders. 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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Answer
21 Dec 2018
What role does machine learning play in the threat hunting process?
Fidelis Cybersecurity president and CEO Nick Lantuh discusses threat hunting best practices, including machine learning's role in corporate data protection. 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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Feature
19 Dec 2018
Sysco's network backbone spans clouds, speeds data
Food for thought: Sysco worked with interconnection company Equinix to create a backbone that brings together Equinix data centers, Sysco data centers and cloud service providers. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2018
2018 articles spotlight innovation's cybersecurity and compliance risk
The top 2018 cybersecurity and compliance articles make a few things clear: digitization increases risk and requires innovative strategies to protect against evolving data threats. 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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Tip
17 Dec 2018
How to sustain hard-won ITSM automation gains
The ITSM automation gains you've reaped from your ITSM provider can vanish when you need to switch vendors. These five tips will prevent that from happening. 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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Answer
14 Dec 2018
What's the difference between SLO vs. SLA?
Often used interchangeably, the terms SLO and SLA are not the same. Find out the key attributes of each and why each is important for managing service providers. 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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Tip
12 Dec 2018
AI in ITSM equals 'service intelligence' -- ITSM's next frontier
AI in ITSM, or 'service intelligence,' is the next logical step in IT's mastery of professional service delivery. ITSM expert Jan-Willem Middelburg lays out four use cases. 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
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Blog Post
30 Nov 2018
Include dark web security strategies to strengthen security framework
As dark web security threats rise, enterprises should begin incorporating strategies to understand and implement dark web cyber-security measures. Continue Reading
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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
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News
30 Nov 2018
RPA projects are the future for communications firm
Robotic process automation, or RPA, is sweeping R.R. Donnelley & Sons, which enlists RPA adoption as a way to automate repetitive activities in the document preparation process. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
5 AI predictions for 2019: Pragmatic AI takes hold
What are the forces driving enterprise AI in 2019? Forrester Research breaks down five, CIO-tailored AI predictions for the upcoming year. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2018
The future of data security threats and protection in the enterprise
The future of data security faces new threats at an ever-increasing rate. Read one expert's advice on having a data security strategy to assess and manage enterprise data security. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2018
How to ask questions the way great business leaders do: CFO Summit
Great business leaders are willing to endure all sorts of pain when they ask questions, says Hal Gregersen, who spoke at the MIT CFO Summit. That's how they solve problems. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Nov 2018
What is embedded intelligence and how can CIOs prepare for it?
Deloitte advises CIOs keep their eyes on a new application of AI. The consultancy calls it pervasive intelligence. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Nov 2018
Advancing tech, analytics techniques give rise to the 'digital CFO'
The rise of digitized processes and data analytics in modern companies has unquestionably influenced the CIO's role -- a topic we cover often here on SearchCIO. But realizing the importance of ... Continue Reading
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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
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
5 tips to improve ITSM SLAs in IT shops with multiple service providers
How do CIOs develop ITSM SLAs that satisfy business expectations in today's complex environment of multiple service providers? David Clifford takes CIOs through five key steps. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Nov 2018
How can companies build a strategy for monetizing data?
To extract value from data, most companies will face people, process and technology challenges. Matt Maccaux explains the ins and outs of monetizing data. Continue Reading
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News
28 Nov 2018
Enterprise AI adoption on fire, but foundation lacking for sustainable AI
McKinsey surveyed thousands of executives on their AI projects to find out what was working and what wasn't. Here's the lowdown. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Nov 2018
Cisco network architecture targets CIOs. Will they buy it?
An emerging Cisco network architecture that spans multiple domains and integrates security debuted at a recent conference. The vendor's architectural messaging targets CIOs. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
RPA project tackles financial processes, using SAP-savvy RPA vendor
RPA projects are not created equal. Read why automotive supplier Faurecia went with Redwood Software and about how the RPA implementation is playing out. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Nov 2018
The key features of project and portfolio management software
Cloud or on premises? Does it have the proper collaboration features? How about mobile access? When buying PPM software, these are just some of the questions businesses should ask. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Nov 2018
Multivendor RPA strategy is trending at enterprises
All RPA platforms are not the same. A multivendor RPA strategy is taking shape at enterprises -- for multiple reasons. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
Lumentum CIO talks building an enterprise cloud computing strategy
A well-defined plan is essential as cloud adoption becomes a business necessity. In this Q&A, CIO Ralph Loura sounds off on the must-haves for any enterprise cloud computing strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2018
4 cloud-based e-discovery strategies to target containerized data
A cloud migration requires evaluating any existing information governance programs. E-discovery in the cloud and for container-based data platforms requires a detailed strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2018
E-discovery in the cloud introduces security, compliance issues
E-discovery is still reliable for organizing and preserving data for legal compliance, but e-discovery in the cloud and container-based storage complicate governance processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2018
6 ways CIOs can make valuation of data a business driver
Gartner believes data should be on every company's balance sheet. Here are six data valuation models on how CIOs can put a price tag on their data. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
AI-enabled enterprise starts with education, not tech
Step one for CIOs charged with building an AI-enabled workplace is to keep up with what's happening in the field. Next is to help their IT teams develop the habit. Continue Reading
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News
21 Nov 2018
Backer says U.S. Internet Bill of Rights will not follow EU model
Rep. Ro Khanna is on a mission to pass regulation that would shore up data privacy rights. But he's not looking to Europe's 'overprescriptive' approach for inspiration. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Nov 2018
Beware of unwitting bias in AI algorithms, experts say
Companies need to know how bias can unwittingly creep into recommendations from AI algorithms, according to panelists at the recent AI and the Future of Work event at MIT. Sophie Vandebroek, vice ... Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Nov 2018
Travel commerce platform looking to blockchain, virtual reality in 2019
In 2019, Travelport's CIO is looking to build out the company's travel commerce platform with help from emerging tech like blockchain, machine learning, virtual reality and more. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Nov 2018
What should CIOs look for when choosing public cloud platforms?
In this Ask the Expert, Lumentum SVP and CIO Ralph Loura highlights two key factors to consider when choosing among public cloud giants AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Platform. Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
How augmented intelligence can enhance jobs
Augmented intelligence -- AI used to enhance human skills -- makes workplaces more productive, diverse, inclusive and authentic. That's one future conjured at an MIT forum on AI. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2018
What are the top IoT security challenges in corporate settings?
Extended product lifecycles, consumer apathy and lacking federal regulation lead the top IoT security challenges in corporate settings. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Nov 2018
Benefits of PPM software include reduced failure rates
PPM software provides organizations a greater insight into projects, enabling decision-makers to better manage and prioritize projects, as well as allocate resources. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Nov 2018
Improving customer experience strategy with digital tweaks vs. transformation
Improving the customer experience with digital technologies doesn't have to entail full-blown transformation. Here are three organizations that make the case. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2018
How automating feature engineering can help data scientists
Feature Labs CEO Max Kanter explains how automating feature engineering for machine learning can help data scientists and why CIOs should care. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2018
5 'technology enablers' key to Travelport's digital transformation plan
Travelport CIO Matt Minetola details the five 'technology enablers' key to the success of the company's digital transformation plan and explains why the travel commerce platform relies on a hybrid cloud approach. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Data analytics projects need structure, says former Avis analytics exec
In this Q&A, Ashok Kumar made one thing clear for CIOs: Before they touch an AI project, they need to get their data house in order. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Nov 2018
Enabling digital transformation: CIO talks 3-phase journey
Enabling digital transformation at Travelport required the $2 billion company to rethink its business model, technology, processes and mindset. Destination: Better customer service. Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
Google's Eric Schmidt on digital success -- be first, perfect comes later
Success for digital products doesn't follow the same trajectory as for physical goods. Google's Eric Schmidt laid out the case for a rush-to-market approach at an MIT event on AI. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Nov 2018
How can enterprises benefit from automation in security?
Tufin Technical Director Joe Schreiber highlights how automating security operations can benefit an organization and discusses best practices for effective implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Nov 2018
How one CTO is building a plan for legacy code replacement
Legacy code removal leads 2019 digital transformation plans for CTO Niel Nickolaisen. Learn how his team is prepping for the implementation of a new codebase. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Nov 2018
IBM-Red Hat deal: Minimal influence on CIOs' cloud decisions, for now
The tech world has been abuzz after news that IBM is snapping up Red Hat for a whopping $34 billion, making it the third biggest tech-deal of all time. Experts say, however, that the IBM-Red Hat ... Continue Reading
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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
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News
01 Nov 2018
With AI techniques, don't get stuck in the data quantity rut
Gartner's Erick Brethenoux gives practical advice on how CIOs can get started with AI. One of his tips: Think data quality, not data quantity. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Gartner breaks down the state of quantum computing technology
Gartner believes CIOs should prepare for quantum computing. When is it coming, what impact will it have and what do CIOs need to know? Gartner's David Cearley breaks it down. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Oct 2018
In 2019, CIOs should strive for flexible analytics architecture
Data and analytics are part of everyday survival for companies. But according to a new research note from Gartner Inc., organizations are struggling to manage the data they have let alone establish ... Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
HBS panel discusses regulating social media platforms
At Harvard Business School's recent Tech Conference 24, three panelists discussed the potential need for regulating social media platforms by an independent, quasi-governmental system. Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Gartner Symposium 2018: 6 emerging trends in security
At Gartner Symposium 2018, analyst Peter Firstbrook highlighted the emerging trends in security that cybersecurity pros -- and their employers -- need to prep for in the next year. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Oct 2018
How WPI uses AI in ITSM to improve help desk support
WPI is using AI in ITSM to route help desk tickets to the most qualified technicians. ITSM automation of this ilk helps users and IT-- but it requires some handholding. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Oct 2018
Will acquiring a cybersecurity company fix Facebook's security woes?
Earlier this month I wrote about lessons businesses can learn from the Facebook data breach that affected millions of users. News has now surfaced that Facebook is rumored to be shopping for a ... Continue Reading
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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
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News
30 Oct 2018
Gartner top 10 technology trends for 2019: A comprehensive guide
For digital-minded CIOs, Gartner's 2019 top 10 technology trends should come as no surprise: IT is getting smarter, casting an intelligent digital web over the enterprise -- and everywhere else. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2018
What can CIOs expect from ITIL 4? More leadership advice, for one
ITIL 4 is scheduled for release in early 2019. ITIL expert David Ratcliffe discusses what's different about this ITIL update and why the guidance remains vitally relevant to CIOs. Continue Reading