Chief Information Officers Focus on Technology
But Fail as Business Strategists

(LAS VEGAS) – A growing number of technologically savvy Chief Information Officers are failing as company executives because they aren’t focused on the business as a whole, according to industry experts.

Mike Marriott, executive vice president of the Las Vegas firm IT Strategies International, says the problem is becoming more predominant in business circles.

“CIO’s are responsible for integrating technology with the overall business strategy,” Marriott said. “However, the reality is that people who are very comfortable with technology often fail to consider technology within the context of business objectives. To find these two skill sets in one person is difficult.”

Consequently, one or the other component is usually lacking in new CIO’s. As might be expected, chief executive officers are most interested in how technology can serve the business. Marriott sees this when IT Strategies is called in to consult on information technology issues. “The CEO knows what the business objectives are even when they don’t know how technology can help them meet them. That is where IT Strategies comes in. Because we are experienced in applying technology to further business goals, we can recommend a solution that best meets the strategic needs of the company. This is usually accomplished by formulation of an information technology strategic plan.”

Chief Information Officer is the newest job title in the chief executive aisle. In most companies, managing the information technology function is an extremely complex and varied job. It is very difficult for one person to fill the many roles required. Large companies often divide he CIO job into two positions, with the chief technology officer (CTO) in the more technical position.

Hiring a consultant firm like IT Strategies is a less-expensive alternative to hiring the two people who are needed to fill the dual roles of a CIO.

“A technologist manages the IT function and answers the technology questions. A strategist makes sure that everyone is asking the right questions in the first place. The strategic part is the most important from the company’s point of view. It is important to take the strategic business vision and develop a technological plan that complements it.”

IT Strategies International Corp. is a privately held computer consulting firm incorporated in the State of Nevada in 1996. The company provides expert, cost-effective consulting for both private companies and public organizations that require specialized information technology skills and/or in-house staff augmentation to take advantage of information systems.

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