Conference Notebook

Leadership and strategic planning

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Scalable learning vs. scalable efficiency in the automation age

  The right way to treat employees in the automation age is not by deploying scalable efficiency, but by offering scalable learning. The first requirement: enlightened leaders.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• '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

• Implementing RPA at John Hancock ushers in new wave of IT innovation

  What's the best approach for implementing RPA? John Hancock discovered that a time-honored practice for the automation of business processes didn't make sense when it came to RPA.  Continue Reading

• Gartner Symposium 2018: Enterprise cloud strategy mistakes to avoid

  At the recent Gartner Symposium 2018, cloud guru Daryl Plummer highlighted the need for developing a strong cloud strategy -- and the mistakes to avoid when drafting one.  Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity culture: Arrow in CIOs' quiver to fight cyberthreats

  Who should own your cybersecurity culture? How can we protect rampant IoT devices? MIT Sloan researchers clued CIOs into their latest research at Tuesday's SIM Boston Summit.  Continue Reading

• ISSA International Conference 2018: Implement DoD-level security

  The ISSA International 2018 Conference offers solutions for complicated privacy risks, and consultant Jeffrey Man counsels execs to take the DoD's approach to security maintenance.  Continue Reading

• Finding internal data science talent: The right stuff

  Fierce competition for data science talent means that CIOs need to look internally for the requisite skills. On the list: curiosity, domain expertise, emotional intelligence.  Continue Reading

• How Uber AI Labs used filters to fix a ConvNets deficiency

  Can ConvNets learn new tricks? Uber AI Labs research scientist unpacks how her team identified and fixed a major deficiency in its convolutional neural networks.  Continue Reading

• Global Artificial Intelligence Conference 2018: The value of context

  Speakers at the Global Artificial Intelligence Conference 2018 confronted issues that arise when ignoring context and reality when developing and implementing AI.  Continue Reading

• 6 best practices for IT pros when building a chatbot

  There's a lot to consider when building a chatbot. Beerud Sheth, co-founder and CEO of Gupshup, broke down six best practices for IT pros at the Global AI Conference in Boston.  Continue Reading

• Power of AI, limitations of AI in focus at Global AI conference

  What's the difference between human and artificial intelligence? At the Global AI conference in Boston, opening day featured tech experts parsing the power of AI and the limitations of AI.  Continue Reading

• Blockchain solutions -- and disruption -- pondered at EmTech 2018

  The gathering at EmTech 2018 explored whether blockchain solutions could give the world a new model of trust. What seemed certain: Blockchain disruption is happening now.  Continue Reading

• Machine intelligence could benefit from child's play

  Advances in AI have spurred high interest in the technology, but the road to making machines intelligent remains a long one, said MIT's Josh Tenenbaum at the EmTech conference.  Continue Reading

• Transforming IT infrastructure and operations to drive digital business

  In an environment where speed disrupts everything, organizations must transform their I&O. Gartner's Gregory Murray explained how at the Gartner Catalyst conference.  Continue Reading

• The message from Gartner Catalyst 2018? Just do it

  IT can no longer let organizational dysfunction get in the way of digital progress. At Gartner Catalyst 2018, IT pros were urged not to wait to be told what to do.  Continue Reading

• Approaches for embedding human ethics in AI systems

  Instilling ethics in AI systems is a low priority for CIOs aiming to harness the power of machine intelligence. That's a mistake, warned Darin Stewart at the Gartner Catalyst event.  Continue Reading

• Gartner Catalyst 2018: A future without data centers?

  Cloud computing advancements have led some organizations to consider eliminating their data centers. Here are strategies to determine which applications are cloud-ready.  Continue Reading

• Bank opts for AI-infused data storage platform over cloud

  A storage vendor that bills itself as a software company is baking AI management into its all-flash arrays. Read why IT execs like Dan King sees the innovation as a game changer.  Continue Reading

• Cybersecurity and physical security: Key for 'smart' venues

  With sustainability being a huge driver of modern business development, protecting consumers' cyber- and physical security is an essential element when designing smart cities and venues.  Continue Reading

• The nine roles you need on your data science research team

  Data science research has become an essential element of modern companies' success in the digital economy. Here's how to build a data science team to get the most bang for your buck.  Continue Reading

• How to know if, when and how to pursue blockchain projects

  Forrester Research analyst Martha Bennett gives CIOs a cogent framework for thinking about distributed ledger technology and potential blockchain projects for the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Building a data science pipeline: Benefits, cautions

  A data science development pipeline is critical for digital business. But the sequence of the pipeline must be monitored closely to ensure the output reflects the business goal.  Continue Reading

• Three capabilities all leaders of innovation possess

  Harvard's Linda Hill tells IT execs at LiveWorx that in order to be leaders of innovation they need to champion three things. One of them is 'creative abrasion.'  Continue Reading

• Enterprise digital strategy: Design use cases that create business value

  Tech capabilities are certainly important, but expert panelists at LiveWorx 2018 explained why overall business needs can't be ignored when crafting enterprise digital strategy.  Continue Reading

• CIO position: Evolve conference shows many ways to manage IT

  The recent Evolve Technology Conference's Outlier Award program revealed varied takes on IT management philosophy and approaches to the CIO position.  Continue Reading

• Quality, meaningful future work hinges on human-machine 'complementarity'

  What AI and machine learning mean for the future of work prompts vigorous debate and gloomy headlines -- but MIT researchers see brighter, more collaborative prospects.  Continue Reading

• In search of digital business models: Six questions

  Old-school companies must find ways to generate digital revenue. Researchers at MIT Sloan laid out six questions that will help companies refine their digital business models.  Continue Reading

• Edge computing helps IT execs in managing large data sets

  Four IT practitioners at the 2018 MIT Sloan CIO Symposium said edge computing, real-time analysis and Lambda architecture help them in managing large data sets.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise cybersecurity strategy: What a CIO needs to know

  Digital transformation is leaving businesses exposed to more cyberattacks. At the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, panelists explain how much cybersecurity expertise is expected of CIOs.  Continue Reading

• Recruiting talent for digital cultures: Tips from McKinsey, Korn Ferry

  The C-suite's penchant for hiring in its own image prevents companies from creating a digital culture. Another barrier: assuming HR can find the right people.  Continue Reading

• Building an intelligent enterprise: Four experts offer hard-won advice

  At the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium, four IT executives shared lessons they've learned from building an intelligent enterprise and paid homage to the tech that helped them do it.  Continue Reading

• MIT CIO: What is digital culture, why it's needed and how to get it

  Creating a digital culture is essential in the age of information, but companies must not lose sight of their core values in the process. Two tech execs show how they're doing it.  Continue Reading

• Rue La La CTO: Don't let data poisoning impair business health

  If not treated properly, data can corrupt agendas, spur endless arguments and narrow thinking, the e-commerce company's Anthony Accardi says.  Continue Reading

• Build a culture of innovation on PaaS platforms

  Tech execs from Deutsche Bank and Experian at the Red Hat Summit in San Francisco shared their thoughts on reaping the benefits of PaaS platforms by addressing the risks head-on.  Continue Reading

• Force multipliers in cybersecurity: Augmenting your security workforce

  During his RSA conference keynote, IBM Security's van Zadelhoff highlighted cybersecurity's top three force multipliers and explained best practices to deploy them.  Continue Reading

• IT pros name users, GDPR as biggest cloud computing security threats

  The cloud is growing faster than companies can prepare for cloud computing security threats, a quartet of tech leaders say at a Boston forum. But managing risk is within reach.  Continue Reading

• Artificial intelligence for social good: Big tech spins a new narrative

  AI for social good is a thing. SAS touts research on tracking cheetah populations, Microsoft showcases work on precision farming at the Artificial Intelligence Conference.  Continue Reading

• Cloud Foundry deployments boost customer experience, communication

  IT pros from Comcast, American Airlines and Zipcar sound off on benefits of the software development platform at April's Cloud Foundry Summit in Boston.  Continue Reading

• Security awareness programs that work against human nature will fail

  Security awareness programs should take into account that humans are basically 'lazy, social, creatures of habit,' said KnowBe4's Perry Carpenter at the CIO Boston Summit. Here are three tips.  Continue Reading

• Top 2018 cybersecurity trends to watch out for

  A glance at IT news shows cybersecurity trends remain on companies' radar. At the CIO Boston Summit, Cybereason's Jessica Stanford discussed steps to defend against risk.  Continue Reading

• Gartner on blockchain: Questions to ask and lots of caveats

  It's immature, misunderstood, untested in the enterprise, risk-laden -- and needs to be on the CIO agenda. Gartner's Nick Heudecker frames the blockchain questions you should be asking.  Continue Reading

• Workplace 'mindfulness' as coping mechanism for AI disruption

  Two tech titans investing in the AI tools that automate jobs are also sinking money into workplace mindfulness programs aimed at helping employees become better at being human.  Continue Reading

• Onus is on CIOs to address limitations of artificial intelligence

  Recognizing the limitations of artificial intelligence is step No. 1 for CIOs aiming to reap its benefits, according to AI luminaries at the recent EmTech Digital conference.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How to build end-user data literacy skills, step by step

  Top-notch hospital systems are filled with smart, knowledgeable people eager to use data. But first, they must improve their data literacy, as this case study shows.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Gartner issues four-part prescription for data and analytics leaders

  Fake facts, discrimination, complexity and illiteracy are four challenges CIOs and data experts must overcome to reap the value of data analytics. Also, forget about bimodal IT.  Continue Reading

• Two data scientists offer advice on breaking down siloed data

  Data scientists offer insight into why the age-old problem of siloed data persists and some concrete advice to CIOs on how to break down the walls.  Continue Reading

• Data and analytics strategy: Lessons learned from spy agencies

  Analyst Jim Hare of Gartner offers five ways to turn your company's data and analytics strategy into a competitive advantage by studying what our spy agencies do.  Continue Reading

• IBM's cloud strategy homes in on developers

  To boost its profile in IaaS, IBM's cloud strategy has shifted focus from CIOs to developers. Whether the multipronged appeal to developers will pan out remains an open question.  Continue Reading

• DLP implementation: Partner with the business for success

  Data loss prevention strategies help prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. For a DLP strategy to be successful, however, business-wide buy-in is required.  Continue Reading

• CISO responsibilities: Building a mission-based cybersecurity program

  'Vanquish the enemy you can see ... then prepare for the next engagement.' Brooks Brothers' Phillip Miller gives fellow CISOs new ways to think about a cybersecurity program.  Continue Reading

• '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

• Teaching leadership to Millennials? First, get used to them

  Teaching leadership skills is critical in a changing world, MIT's John Van Maanen says, but coaching Millennials comes with unique challenges.  Continue Reading

• Macro trends HP is tracking: Urbanization, globalization, demographics

  HP Inc. CTO Shane Wall weighs in on three big macro trends that are shaping the company's long-horizon strategy.  Continue Reading

• How three digital leaders overcame resistance to change

  Digital leaders at CBS, IBM and SAP point to culture as one of the biggest digital transformation hurdles. Here's how they prevailed.  Continue Reading

• Security of IoT-enabled devices remains low priority for developers

  MIT Sloan cybersecurity expert Stuart Madnick talks about clear and present dangers in an IoT-enabled world.  Continue Reading

• Three key ingredients of any data lake implementation

  A data lake implementation can provide enormous flexibility for analyzing all types of external and internal data -- but not without these three requirements.  Continue Reading

• 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

• McCormick spices up food market with digital platform business

  Former McCormick CIO Jerry Wolfe talks about his role as CEO of the spice company's new tech spinoff and why a digital platform is so essential to reaching today's foodies.  Continue Reading