The Importance of a Virtual CIO for Businesses and Organizations

Technology continues to transform our lives, as it is in and around nearly every part of most businesses. Businesses must adapt to the changing landscape as the evolution of technology continues. Every digital change that occurs requires the need for expertise and leadership regarding a business’ technology. This need has paved the way for the executive position of chief information officer (CIO). While many smaller businesses may not be able to support a full CIO position, the opportunity to have a virtual CIO allows more organizations to stay competitive with the ever-changing digital presence in the business world.

The Role of a CIO:

Despite the ever-increasing presence of technology, management of many businesses and organizations are still disconnected from understanding the extent of technology needs. This disconnect establishes a needed space for an executive role of CIO to manage IT infrastructure, security, data, technology, and innovation. The CIO of an organization takes responsibility in maintaining technology leadership, communication, and relationships, while implementing innovative strategies that work to achieve business goals and objectives. This role of CIO will continue to gain importance with the constant technological changes that many organizations are facing.

How a CIO can help your business:

1. Keep technology up-to-date
2. Invest in the technology that best fits current and future needs
3. Implement strategies for business growth
4. Improve technology performance & make the most of technology tools for business efficiency and functionality
5. Provide IT expertise and leadership
6. Increase effectiveness and efficiency of IT department
7. Provide information to support planning and business decision making
8. Manage relationships between staff, outside expertise, and management with IT
9. Allow IT personnel to focus on day-to-day tasks
10. Ensures data systems and services are running correctly & safely
11. Provide solutions for technological problems
12. Reduce IT costs
13. Ensure compliance & other regulations are met
14. Increase customer satisfaction & customer service
15. Drive technology innovation in business operations
16. Manage IT infrastructure
17. Provide proactive IT support & risk prevention
18. Act as a bridge between IT & executive leadership to ensure that IT and IT security are taken seriously
19. Create new business products or services
20. Assist in entering new markets
21. Improve overall IT security
22. Oversee digital image and reputation

Virtual CIO (vCIO):

Establishing an executive position to handle technology leadership and infrastructure may not be a feasible option for many businesses and organizations. Smaller businesses often do not have the same breadth of resources as large corporations. Despite limited funding and resources in smaller businesses, these organization still have an opportunity to establish an IT leader through a vCIO. A vCIO allows more organizations to stay competitive with the ever-changing digital presence in the business world.

CIO vs. vCIO

Any business that fails to invest in its IT infrastructure faces the risk of losing out to competition. One of the best ways to ensure IT efficiency is with a technology leader, which can be established with a CIO or a vCIO. A vCIO allows organizations that lack the resources necessary to hire an internal CIO to still reap the benefits that a CIO can offer. Overall, a vCIO can assist an organization to be more efficient, invest in technology that fits the organization, and improve processes and systems to achieve business objectives. Contact us today to set up a consultation so that we can help your business reach full potential in today’s digital landscape.