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January 31, 2012 31 Jan'12
Shared services model puts focus on external customer

For Owens Corning CIO David Johns, a shared services model is key to a low-cost, high-value IT and business services delivery strategy.
January 31, 2012 31 Jan'12
Shared services are the next generation of IT

Last week I wrote about the transformation of banking services into products. This week I want to discuss different types of services--shared services. One of the first technology news stories I ...
January 23, 2012 23 Jan'12
The CIO and the extended enterprise

The CIO role is stretching further into the outer limits of the "extended enterprise."
January 19, 2012 19 Jan'12
CIOs: Should your next IT hire be a consumer advocate?

How IT shops are changing and whom CIOs need to hire are big topics in the age of cloud and mobility. Should consumer advocates be on the list?
January 12, 2012 12 Jan'12
CIOs proving the value of technology investments

There's no easy way to prove the value of technology investments, but smart CIOs are finding new ones -- and smarter still, being proactive about it.
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January 05, 2012 05 Jan'12
Re-evaluating endpoint security tools

Has technology advanced to the point that some endpoint security tools -- and the staff needed to support them -- will go away?
January 05, 2012 05 Jan'12
Rosy outlook for services broker model may have thorns

The IT services-broker model might be good for your business, but one CIO cautions against letting the label define your role.
December 23, 2011 23 Dec'11
Overtime pay limit could put CIOs in a tough spot

A bill limiting overtime pay for IT workers is one more example of politicians putting corporate interests ahead of individual workers, opponents say.
December 21, 2011 21 Dec'11
'IT as a services broker' model will carry beyond 2012

IT leaders are positioning themselves as facilitators or IT services brokers rather than as the managers and mainframe minders of yore.
December 16, 2011 16 Dec'11
CIOs have to be passionate and in fighting trim

To be executive material for the CIO job these days, you'll need more than a well-cut suit.
December 15, 2011 15 Dec'11
Can you trust your KPI scorecard?

Mark Twain is attributed with the saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." Any CIO faced with a meaningless key performance indicator (KPI) scorecard ...
December 13, 2011 13 Dec'11
CIO's change management strategy gives left and right brain their due

Managing change can be the hardest part of IT's job. One CIO has a strategy to manage change that hinges on using both hemispheres of the brain.
December 13, 2011 13 Dec'11
Application portals for managing mobile devices no joke

CIOs are turning to application portals to meet mobile needs while protecting corporate IT policies.
December 12, 2011 12 Dec'11
Getting a grip on shadow IT in the age of self-service technology

Shadow IT should be a serious concern for all CIOs in an age of self-service technology. Here's how to get a grip on it.
December 08, 2011 08 Dec'11
Software laden with technical debt heading for a crash

Enterprise apps are carrying millions of dollars in technical debt, one study says. CIOs need to zero in on the mistakes that could level their companies.
November 18, 2011 18 Nov'11
Two IT gurus face off on value of enterprise architecture frameworks

Who says enterprise architecture frameworks are worse than useless? Vivek Kundra, that's who. The former CIO of the United States made a blistering case against enterprise architecture in his ...
November 17, 2011 17 Nov'11
SaaS solutions with a vertical slant

A growing segment of SaaS solutions targets industry-specific needs and mission-critical business functions.
September 27, 2011 27 Sep'11
GE's journey from waterfall to Agile practices

General Electric Co. turned to Agile practices to revamp software development in its Energy division. Now Agile is making its way across the company.
September 08, 2011 08 Sep'11
ITIL chief architect: How to build an IT Service Management strategy

Choosing the right IT services to deliver is the foundation of a winning IT Service Management strategy. ITIL chief architect Sharon Taylor explains.
August 17, 2011 17 Aug'11
Contingency plan should be part of desktop virtualization strategy

Companies that already have installed virtual desktops are considered trailblazers even now, and the technology wasn't fully baked back in 2008 when Dustin Fennell, CIO at Scottsdale Community ...
July 13, 2011 13 Jul'11
Three tech trends shaping the future IT organization and the CIO role

Cloud computing is just one of three technologies shaping the IT organization of the future and the role of the CIO.
July 12, 2011 12 Jul'11
The IT organization of the future: An enterprise within an enterprise

The IT organization of the future is shifting to become not only a business but also a part of an integrated business services organization.
June 27, 2011 27 Jun'11
Cost and content of social media policies vary widely by industry

Setting social media policies is a tricky and potentially costly process that varies widely based on an industry's regulatory requirements.
June 15, 2011 15 Jun'11
The IT roles needed for the IT organization of the future

IT's status quo will be toppled by the need for speed and tech-savvy employees. Here's what's vital for operating the IT organization of the future.
June 09, 2011 09 Jun'11
CIO, CEO of New York Life RPS tackle IT organization transformation

New York Life Retirement Plan Services' CIO and CEO discuss the changing role of the IT organization, and why social media is topping their agenda.
May 25, 2011 25 May'11
A Wells Fargo roadmap to sidestep technology integration risks

Learn how an air space analysis system helped Wells Fargo CIOs avoid technology integration disasters during the merger with Wachovia.
March 30, 2011 30 Mar'11
The CIO's dilemma? Disruptive innovation vs. performance improvement

CIOs focused on continuously improving their IT products and services might want to heed the lessons of now-defunct market leaders who got upended by disruptive innovation.
March 29, 2011 29 Mar'11
The need for IT innovation leads to aggressive collaboration

IT innovation is what happens when there's no money for new equipment but plenty of fresh ideas emanating from all parts of the business.
March 22, 2011 22 Mar'11
CIOs looking for ways to say yes to the iPad in the enterprise

CIOs are looking for ways to say yes to the iPad in the enterprise, despite the technological and cultural challenges associated with new mobile devices.
March 08, 2011 08 Mar'11
Cloud brokers emerge to sort out the chaos of cloud services

Faced with a chaotic mix of cloud services, IT execs now must sort through a crowd of cloud brokers that claim to minimize risks and improve interoperability.
February 01, 2011 01 Feb'11
IT offshore outsourcing markets, options on the rise, Gartner says

The never-ending quest to cut IT costs is opening up new IT offshoring markets. Here are a look at Gartner's latest assessment and a new index from IT advisory firm TPI Inc.
January 24, 2011 24 Jan'11
2011 IT salary and careers survey guide

See how IT salaries stack up by title and vertical industry, as well as what your peers expect to make in 2011, in this guide to SearchCIO.com's CIO Salary and Careers Survey.
December 22, 2010 22 Dec'10
Six questions for building an effective outsourcing strategy

Knowing what not to outsource is not always as obvious as it seems, according to sourcing experts. Here are six questions to help you build an effective outsourcing strategy.
December 14, 2010 14 Dec'10
Agile project management approaches for on-time and on-budget delivery

Pick an agile project management path based on scope, schedule or budget to set project boundaries and keep release dates on track.
December 10, 2010 10 Dec'10
Asset inventory sheds light on lack of virtual machine management

When one of Mark Bowker’s clients went to do an IT asset inventory, they couldn’t count how many virtual machines they had … because they couldn’t see them. Bowker, an analyst with Enterprise ...
November 17, 2010 17 Nov'10
How to select an enterprise collaboration platform (hold on tight)

Enterprise collaboration platforms aim to add a social layer to work apps. This story, the second of two about such platforms, offers a market overview and vendor selection advice.
November 16, 2010 16 Nov'10
With new enterprise collaboration platforms, 'social' means business

Forget about pushing people to use wikis and blogs. The rush is on to build enterprise collaboration platforms that pull social networking into every workstation.
November 03, 2010 03 Nov'10
Business process transformation hinges on a flexible management model

Business process transformation succeeds best in IT organizations emphasizing collaboration and real-time analysis. Learn how IT can bring transformation to the lines of business.
October 12, 2010 12 Oct'10
Mobile data security spans policies, budgets and backups

A proliferation of mobile devices in the enterprise forces CIOs to reassess policies, budgets and backups for mobile data security.
September 16, 2010 16 Sep'10
Mobile phone security policies give IT some control over the influx

There's no turning back mobile devices' invasion of the enterprise. CIOs need to put mobile phone security policies in place to control these uninvited guests.
September 01, 2010 01 Sep'10
The fundamentals of launching an IT service catalog

The IT service catalog is a linchpin of ITSM, but is hard to create and manage. Here an expert advises where to begin, what to avoid and why CIOs should make a catalog a priority.
August 11, 2010 11 Aug'10
Free sample gap analysis templates: Software, security, architecture

Learn how other organizations tackle gap analysis, from software projects to IT portfolio assessments, in this list of sample gap analysis templates.
August 06, 2010 06 Aug'10
What's data fungibility got to do with delivering business insight?

What's data fungibility have to do with delivering business insight? No, really, I'm asking. According to Burton Group analyst Lyn Robison, one reason CIOs are struggling to deliver business ...
August 04, 2010 04 Aug'10
Corporate business services: Repurpose to reap value and flexibility

CIOs are taking a hybrid approach to the creation of IT and corporate business services, repurposing existing technology and adding new service delivery methods.
August 03, 2010 03 Aug'10
How CIOs are tackling IT business services creation

CIOs are in a prime position to shape new IT business services and shepherd the enterprise into new markets.
July 22, 2010 22 Jul'10
Why you need a formal data governance program, and how to get started

Formal data governance programs are still the exception rather than the rule. Learn why your organization needs one, plus five preconditions necessary to ensure success.
July 08, 2010 08 Jul'10
IT chargeback: A fundamental part of cloud computing takes shape

IT chargeback is being put to the test by cloud computing. Which metrics can be used to charge business units for IaaS, PaaS and SaaS?
July 07, 2010 07 Jul'10
Pros and cons of using enterprise master data management with BI

Enterprise master data management is a big task. Some CIOs are finding quick wins by starting MDM within their business intelligence efforts. For others? It's a no-win.
July 01, 2010 01 Jul'10
Agile best practices can combine waterfall and Scrum

Agile projects can mingle Scrum and waterfall approaches, but proceed with caution. Program managers share agile best practices and pitfalls.
June 16, 2010 16 Jun'10
Business service development: Lessons learned from the frontlines

There is no clear-cut path for IT to follow when it comes to business service development. CIOs and experts share their dos and don'ts.
May 13, 2010 13 May'10
Business continuity plans must address massive air travel shutdown

Before the dust settles from an erupting volcano in Iceland, business continuity managers need to take a close look at their business continuity plans, starting with their supply chain.
March 25, 2010 25 Mar'10
The importance of communication in IT innovation

I recently was asked to participate in a panel discussion about the importance of communication in IT innovation at the Olin Innovation Lab, an annual event at the Olin College of Engineering in ...
March 03, 2010 03 Mar'10
First open source, ITIL-aligned IT change management tool coming soon

The open source community has a new addition: an enterprise-level, ITIL-aligned change management tool. Recently unveiled at the Pink Elephant IT Service Management Conference & Expo, ...
March 03, 2010 03 Mar'10
Innovation strategies: How Chevron drives ingenuity

Should CIOs have innovation strategies? We talk with Chevron's innovation specialist on how the energy giant discovers ingenuity and develops a corporate creative process.
February 24, 2010 24 Feb'10
How IT gap analysis can be the first step to ITIL success

Performing an IT gap analysis can help your IT shop pinpoint gaps in its service delivery as a starting point in using the ITIL framework. Learn the eight questions to ask.
February 17, 2010 17 Feb'10
Proving the value of a business continuity plan (before disaster hits)

How do you educate the business on the value of a business continuity plan before disaster strikes? Linking risks to business performance is key.
February 03, 2010 03 Feb'10
Project management office helps CIO navigate rough financial waters

How did CIO Sharon Gietl help The Doe Run Co. navigate budget cuts and layoffs? With a tiny PMO that is prioritizing projects across the enterprise.
January 27, 2010 27 Jan'10
Vendor contract management key to cutting costs through renegotiation

Enterprises are finding ways to use vendor contract management as a means to cut costs by renegotiating contracts down to the maintenance-clause and business-unit levels.
January 26, 2010 26 Jan'10
CIO best practices: A self-assessment guide for top IT professionals

Some CIO best practices held steady in the recession, while others have shifted. Test if you've kept up with these quizzes in our self-assessment guide for top IT professionals.
January 05, 2010 05 Jan'10
Information security budget closest thing to recessionproof in 2010

Information security budgets in enterprise IT organizations will remain robust in 2010 compared with other IT spending areas. Learn more about budgeting for IT security.
December 08, 2009 08 Dec'09
Vendor evaluation criteria and guidelines

The vendor evaluation process can be very complex and time consuming. Get the latest resources for making informed decisions during your vendor evaluation process.
November 10, 2009 10 Nov'09
Business process automation vs. business process management: A primer

Do you know the difference between BPA and BPM? Learn the importance of business process management and business process automation in our comparison.
November 05, 2009 05 Nov'09
Free IT outsourcing templates: SLAs, RFPs and more

CIOs pursuing IT outsourcing deals can benefit from templates spelling out SLA and RFP best practices. Get links to some free IT outsourcing templates.
October 22, 2009 22 Oct'09
Gartner's top 10 strategic technologies for 2010

Gartner's list of technologies that bear examination during the next three years show an agile, mobile, secure enterprise that can spot early warning signs and predict trends.
October 06, 2009 06 Oct'09
Software vendor evaluation criteria: Sample scorecard templates for IT projects

Need a hand in evaluating prospective vendors or managing your current crop? Here's a sampling of software vendor scorecards and requirements to help you create your own.
October 01, 2009 01 Oct'09
ITIL case study: Comparing two financial services firms’ best practices

When Barclays Global Investors and Wachovia invested in ITIL, they saw improved efficiencies and huge cost savings. Read their stories here.
September 29, 2009 29 Sep'09
Free risk management tools and resources for the enterprise

An accurate risk management assessment can save you millions. Learn how to create, upgrade or review a risk management process using our list of tools, calculators and resources.
September 15, 2009 15 Sep'09
Service portfolio management: Helping IT get back to business

More mature IT shops are adopting ITIL v3's service portfolio management approach to better manage the service lifecycle and provide business-centric services to the organization.
September 02, 2009 02 Sep'09
Uniting ITSM, PPM process methodologies yields IT management benefits

ITSM and PPM are typically separate disciplines, but integrating them can increase visibility, help with budgeting and more. Learn more about this dynamic duo.
September 01, 2009 01 Sep'09
Effective ITIL project leadership: Plan-Do-Check-Act

Successful ITIL project leaders are using the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to ensure their teams stay motivated, follow the same processes and contribute innovative ideas.
August 27, 2009 27 Aug'09
IT outsourcing pros and cons for Latin, South America

IT outsourcing pros and cons for Latin and South America range from time zone alignment and geographic proximity to a lack of vendors and language barriers. Learn more here.
August 18, 2009 18 Aug'09
Pros and cons of IT outsourcing in popular Asian countries

The benefits and challenges of IT outsourcing in India, China, the Philippines and Vietnam range from pricing to intellectual property barriers. Learn more here.
August 05, 2009 05 Aug'09
PPM software vs. SharePoint: Myths and user-vendor disconnects

PPM software vendors are trying to address user concerns over pricing, resource allocation and calculating ROI. But have Microsoft SharePoint and Project already done the job?
July 17, 2009 17 Jul'09
What is transparency, and how is it relevant to IT?

We’ve all heard about Obama’s promise for government transparency, but what about IT transparency? First, what is transparency? Transparency is basically defined as openness and accountability in ...
July 01, 2009 01 Jul'09
Using key risk indicators to sell your information security program

Now that information security has the attention of the business, Gartner says, security needs to speak about risk in language the business can relate to. Here's how.
June 02, 2009 02 Jun'09
9 steps to business continuity strategy: Remote access solutions, more

From remote access solutions to telecom contracts, our list will help you identify gaps in your business continuity strategy and prepare for outages.
May 07, 2009 07 May'09
Adding a 'business downturn' clause to your telecom contracts

Telecom providers will do whatever it takes to keep your business, even in a business downturn. And that’s not just lip service. Did you know that you can insist on a “business downturn” contract ...
April 29, 2009 29 Apr'09
How BPM and SOA work together for business process improvement

Enterprises should marry their BPM and SOA efforts if they really want reuse -- and true business process improvement.
April 07, 2009 07 Apr'09
How collaboration tools bring cost savings, business alignment

Find out how two midmarket companies are successfully using collaboration tools and strategies to drive business outcomes.
March 03, 2009 03 Mar'09
Targeted IT communications key to ITIL implementation success

Many companies are implementing ITIL without considering the importance of an IT communications plan. Get expert advice on ways to target your IT communications for ITIL success.
February 18, 2009 18 Feb'09
Eight qualities of a good leader during a recession

These qualities of a leader during a recession show how CIOs can guide their organization in tough times, making the right IT budget cuts and inspiring employees.
February 05, 2009 05 Feb'09
How to build an IT vendor management office or standards body

Vendor management offices and standards bodies can help large organizations save money on IT purchasing and better manage vendor relations, both critical during a recession.
February 04, 2009 04 Feb'09
Economic recession to spur 'dramatic increase' in cybercrime

Bad times always bring a rise in crime. But this economic recession is setting us up for a wave of cybercrime. The broken economy, combined with increased digitization as retail and operations move ...
December 17, 2008 17 Dec'08
Employee layoffs pose security risk if systems access not disabled

As layoffs rise, IT departments aren't being vigilant enough in disabling systems access and risk the ire of terminated employees.
December 11, 2008 11 Dec'08
Gartner picks top 30 countries for offshore IT outsourcing

Countries like Mexico, Poland and Vietnam have strengthened their positions. Find out which countries round out the top 30.
August 20, 2008 20 Aug'08
Sustainability risk management: Beyond green IT

Conserving natural resources is fast morphing into sustainability risk management and growing beyond the IT department. Where does the CIO fit in?
May 15, 2008 15 May'08
Data archiving software offers compliance, management solutions

Hewlett-Packard puts database archiving in the hands of the business, courtesy of a visual design tool that can model apps and apply business rules. Improved XML makes it look like archived apps are at the ready.
May 07, 2008 07 May'08
Five tips on selecting a data center location

Data center construction comes with a host of tough problems. Finding the right place is challenge No. 1. Here are tips to help you vet your location.
April 09, 2008 09 Apr'08
Gartner: It's time for IT and OT to merge

As operational technology and information technology converge in the workplace, should CIOs be controlling the whole shebang?
February 12, 2008 12 Feb'08
Facebook as a business tool? Really

To all those CIOs who refuse to embrace Facebook on the grounds that it's not a business tool: look a little closer.
January 10, 2008 10 Jan'08
Microsoft enterprise search strategy leads to acquisition bid

Microsoft's $1.2 billion acquisition bid for Fast Search reveals Microsoft's enterprise search strategy. CIOs will feel a jolt or two.
January 02, 2008 02 Jan'08
The year's most controversial information technology management issues

SearchCIO.com editors take a look at controversial issues facing CIOs. Read them again, if for nothing else but to whet your appetite for a good argument.
October 17, 2007 17 Oct'07
Offshore outsourcing: A look at the security risks

Offshore outsourcing can save money. Are the savings worth the security risks? Columnist Philip Alexander addresses security and data concerns CIOs should be aware of when sending work offshore.
August 29, 2007 29 Aug'07
ITIL V3: Stakeholder coordination is key to success

In his latest column, Brian Johnson offers tips and advice on how to coordinate the ITIL stakeholders in your organization to successfully meet business requirements by using an IT service design process.
March 06, 2007 06 Mar'07
Wi-Fi way to shrink digital divide, say big-city CIOs

The CIOs of Chicago, Seattle and San Francisco talk about the goals of their high-profile municipal Wi-Fi projects and the challenges they faced along the way.
January 18, 2007 18 Jan'07
Top IT execs could take heat for TJX breach

Experts say senior IT executives at TJX are most likely on the hot seat today after the retail giant revealed Wednesday a massive computer security breach.

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