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May 31, 2016 31 May'16
Customer-facing app brings comic relief to managing 401(k)s

Gary Scholten, CIO at Principal Financial Group, talks about a new customer-facing app that exemplifies the company's transition to digital business.
May 28, 2016 28 May'16
Microsoft moves away from smartphones; blockchain compliance

Microsoft is cutting 1,850 jobs from its struggling smartphone division. The announcement comes a week after the company sold its feature phone business to a Foxconn subsidiary. In Searchlight, ...
May 27, 2016 27 May'16
Microsoft's cuts to smartphone division underscore new mobile imperative

What does Microsoft's curtailment of its smartphone division say about the company's mobile future? Also in Searchlight: Study links cell phones to cancer; Silicon Valley billionaire bankrolls lawsuits against Gawker.
May 27, 2016 27 May'16
Important digital metrics of success: McKinsey & Company

McKinsey researcher explains how the people skills required at the start of a digital transformation effort differ from those needed to scale it. Also: useful digital metrics.
May 24, 2016 24 May'16
Failing fast: A lesson in semantics

Two digital officers weigh in on why the term "failing fast" doesn't work for their organizations.
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May 20, 2016 20 May'16
'Coopetition' emphasized at MIT CIO; IT leaders talk DevOps adoption

Share or be left out: That was a common theme at this year's MIT Sloan CIO Symposium. In today's digital ecosystem, companies have to cooperate in order to compete, according to expert panelists. ...
May 20, 2016 20 May'16
MIT CIO: Cooperation vs. competition in the digital ecosystem

"Digital ecosystem" was the catchphrase at this year's MIT Sloan CIO Symposium. To vie as competitors, companies need to play by a new directive: Share or be left out.
May 20, 2016 20 May'16
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.
May 19, 2016 19 May'16
Startup company culture seeps into traditional financial services

IT executives at the MIT Sloan CIO Symposium suggested that financial services companies making a digital transformation should incorporate elements of startup business culture.
May 13, 2016 13 May'16
Viv takes AI to new heights; blockchain technology benefits

Virtual assistants are coming of age. Viv, a new virtual assistant with advanced natural language processing skills that allow her to understand complex commands, is set to disrupt the customer ...
May 13, 2016 13 May'16
The new AI virtual assistant Viv gets what you're saying

Viv, endowed with the ability to hear what you say and act on it, is set to disrupt search and a whole lot more. Should enterprises take notice? Also in Searchlight: U.S. military eyes AI; is Facebook liberal?
May 12, 2016 12 May'16
Hotel API strategy brings UK chain closer to digital guest -- and customer data

A U.K. hotel chain realized it had to get closer to customers who booked their stays through online travel sites. The answer was to cut out the middleman and adopt an API strategy.
May 10, 2016 10 May'16
Bexar, Mitaka, Newton: Behind OpenStack release names

The community that plans and updates the cloud infrastructure service has a creative, democratic process of coming up with OpenStack release names.
May 10, 2016 10 May'16
OpenStack Mitaka aims to make open source easy-peasy

OpenStack Mitaka, the newest release of the cloud platform, touts user-friendliness as a key trait. Could that further propel the open source project?
May 06, 2016 06 May'16
IBM takes on quantum computing; how CIOs can hone customer-centric design

IBM is seeking to speed innovation and discover new use cases for quantum computing. In an effort to do so, it created Quantum Experience, cloud-enabled quantum computing platform that anyone on ...
May 06, 2016 06 May'16
Can IBM fast-track quantum computing via the crowd?

IBM is giving the public an all-access pass to its cloud-enabled quantum computing platform. Is it a milestone in quantum computing or just a lot of noise? Also in Searchlight: Facebook rewards 10-year-old hacker; self-driving minivans to hit the ...
May 04, 2016 04 May'16
Slower tech market is backdrop for Apple revenue dip

The 13% Apple revenue decline, reported last week, appears to point to a saturated smartphone market -- and to slow tech spending in general.
May 02, 2016 02 May'16
Net promoter score a useful IT tool for honing customer-centric design

If customer service is a competitive differentiator, too much standardization can hurt IT departments and companies alike.
April 30, 2016 30 Apr'16
MIT Sloan research: CISOs enter the boardroom

MIT Sloan research shows that while it is still rare for CISOs to report to the board of directors, board involvement in cybersecurity is on the rise.
April 30, 2016 30 Apr'16
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.
April 30, 2016 30 Apr'16
Stuart Madnick: Dark Web hackers trump good guys in sharing information

Organizations are getting better at defending against cyberattacks, says MIT Sloan's Stuart Madnick, but dark Web hackers maintain an edge. He explains why.
April 29, 2016 29 Apr'16
Assessing hyper-converged architectures; next-gen security strategies

Hyper-convergence, a system that allows integrated technologies to be managed as a single system through a common toolset, is set to shake up the enterprise and how we think of data center ...
April 29, 2016 29 Apr'16
One bad Apple earnings report doesn't signal a mighty fall

After 13 years of growth, an Apple earnings report showed a decline. Also in Searchlight: Amazon and Facebook revenues soar; 'Snowden' preview goes online.
April 26, 2016 26 Apr'16
Backlash against a bimodal IT strategy

A new report from Forrester cautions CIOs against bimodal IT, contending the two-tiered approach could create more problems than it solves.
April 22, 2016 22 Apr'16
Intel's job cuts: The 'PC is dead' or PC evolution?

Intel sheds 12,000 jobs in its shift away from PCs. The PC is dead -- or is it? Also in Searchlight: Google faces more antitrust charges; Viber encrypts all its messages.
April 15, 2016 15 Apr'16
Facebook's new 'chatbots'; the art of innovation

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wants consumers to think of businesses as their friend. Sounds like a stretch? With the company's new "chatbots," it could soon be a reality. Facebook opened up its ...
April 15, 2016 15 Apr'16
Facebook's chatbots pave way for centralized mobile platform

Facebook's chatbots aim to change the mobile experience. What are the implications for IT execs? Also in Searchlight: Microsoft sues feds over consumer rights; Box expands global reach.
April 15, 2016 15 Apr'16
Guy Kawasaki on the art of innovation: Ten steps

As the former 'chief evangelist' at Apple, Guy Kawasaki has had plenty of experience selling the next new thing. Here's his take on the art of innovation.
April 14, 2016 14 Apr'16
Building a CIO-CFO partnership that pays dividends

As companies continue to transform their businesses to meet an ever-changing digital economy, it's crucial to nurture strong CIO-CFO relationships.
April 14, 2016 14 Apr'16
A blockchain database takes a village

Banks and other businesses are coming together to test blockchain database technology. New uses -- and standards for the industry -- could result.
April 14, 2016 14 Apr'16
The 'touchability' factor: Why mobile performance should be priority No. 1

Mobile performance is an element app dev teams often overlook in their race to get mobile apps and websites to market. That's a big mistake, says Forrester Research analyst Michael Facemire.
April 09, 2016 09 Apr'16
Microsoft jumps on blockchain bandwagon; Instagram roundup of Fusion symposium

Blockchain, the distributed-ledger technology the cryptocurrency bitcoin is based on, is garnering a lot of attention. Although it isn't mainstream yet, that could change after this week's ...
April 08, 2016 08 Apr'16
Hip to be square: Microsoft gets in early on blockchain technology

The tech giant announces a partnership with big banks to develop blockchain technology. Also in Searchlight: IT spending expected to slide; Trump hotels get hacked -- again.
April 06, 2016 06 Apr'16
Malware intrusions at hospitals: Why so many?

The recent spate of malware intrusions isn't a fluke, says Chris Ensey. The Dunbar Security Solutions COO says healthcare institutions have some work to do.
April 06, 2016 06 Apr'16
Instagram roundup: Disruptive business models, digital investments

2016 Fusion CEO-CIO Symposium caught on Instagram: Follow along as senior news writer Nicole Laskowski chronicles sessions on disruptive business models and digital investments.
April 01, 2016 01 Apr'16
The 'cognitive enterprise' at Fusion 2016; what happens after Apple-FBI case

This week, our reporters flew to Madison, Wis. to get the latest scoop at this year's Fusion CEO-CIO Symposium, which this year focused on delivering customer experience through disruptive business ...
March 31, 2016 31 Mar'16
Apple fight gives customers sway in privacy debate

The FBI-Apple fight has pushed encryption and data privacy into the mainstream. People know more about the issues now, so the privacy debate could heat up.
March 31, 2016 31 Mar'16
The on-demand economy and the future of work: Buckle up

When companies get serious about understanding what it costs to get work done employment will change dramatically. Who's ready for the on-demand economy?
March 31, 2016 31 Mar'16
Data privacy issues loom as FBI-Apple fight ebbs

The data privacy issues kicked up by the FBI's now-dropped legal battle against Apple are enormous – and will likely be in the public eye for years to come.
March 30, 2016 30 Mar'16
Sen. Warner: Gig economy chance to 'reimagine whole social contract'

Fueled by technology and global in scope, the gig economy is underway. Making it work will require a new social contract.
March 30, 2016 30 Mar'16
Cloud and managed services: SaaS CIO seeks more than colo

Exits Inc., an international trade software company, found greater reliability, cost savings and flexibility after tapping a services provider to manage its IT infrastructure.
March 29, 2016 29 Mar'16
What happens if FBI-Apple case goes back to court?

The FBI-Apple case is closed, but legal questions linger. If it goes back to court, and the bureau wins, that will pose major challenges for security teams.
March 25, 2016 25 Mar'16
Assessing biometric surveillance in Brussels' wake; data lake implementation tips

With Big Brother watching, what could go wrong? Biometric surveillance is drawing attention -- and trepidation -- in the wake of the tragic terrorist attacks in Brussels. In this week's ...
March 25, 2016 25 Mar'16
In Brussels' wake, biometric surveillance draws interest, concerns

The age of biometric surveillance is just beginning. Will it make us safer? Also in Searchlight: Intel mastermind remembered; DHS opens cyberthreats information sharing program.
March 24, 2016 24 Mar'16
Companies weigh tech skills, business polish for CISO job

The information security chief needs to discern the right technology -- and lay down policy. So what skills are required for the CISO job?
March 22, 2016 22 Mar'16
Platform company dilemma: Attaining critical mass

Thumbtack, an online marketplace for home and other professional services, faces down a major conundrum of a fledgling platform company: how to build a customer base -- fast.
March 21, 2016 21 Mar'16
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.
March 18, 2016 18 Mar'16
Congress questions blockchain security amid ransomware news

Spreading cybercrime, like the ransomware attacks on NYT and BBC, has Congress considering Bitcoin security. Also in Searchlight: Apple might boost iCloud encryption; Amazon eyes selfie payments.
March 11, 2016 11 Mar'16
Soundsgood publishes playlists across streaming services; blockchain's impact on Congress

How is Soundsgood, a Paris-based startup, different from the plethora of other music streaming platforms available today? The company offers a so-called aggregation platform, a cloud-based service ...
March 09, 2016 09 Mar'16
3D printing technology is at a crossroads

There's been a lot of hype around 3D printing technology lately, with commentators using labels like "the next Industrial Revolution." Does the technology stand up to the buzz? Harvey Koeppel, SearchCIO columnist and former CIO, says yes -- and even...
March 09, 2016 09 Mar'16
Blockchain tech: U.S. representative calls on fintech community to educate Congress

Blockchain technology -- perhaps the hottest topic in the financial tech community -- has finally made it on the radar of the U.S. Congress, but it's been a long haul, much more education is needed ...
March 04, 2016 04 Mar'16
IoT can't go on without proper security; innovation tips from Dow Jones

It seems like there's no stopping the proliferation of connected devices, but there's one thing that just might. If companies aren't putting security first in the creation of these interconnected ...
March 04, 2016 04 Mar'16
RSA Conference 2016: IoT will crash and burn if security doesn't come first

The message from RSA Conference 2016: Build security into IoT devices early on, or court disaster. Also in Searchlight: Apple gets a boost; a chance to 'hack the Pentagon.'
March 03, 2016 03 Mar'16
RSA Conference 2016: Apple 'goofed' in data encryption fight with FBI

SAN FRANCISCO -- The debate on privacy vs. national security triggered by the recent Apple/FBI controversy lit up RSA Conference 2016, provoking sharp disagreement among panelists at one ...
March 01, 2016 01 Mar'16
As use of mobile apps for employees grows, so does CIO role

As the need for mobile apps for employees grows, so does the need for CIOs to take the lead on mobile app development -- and they'll need to partner closely with the business to do so.
March 01, 2016 01 Mar'16
CIOs get more involved with mobile app development

It isn't only customer-facing mobile apps that are changing how work gets done at enterprises. These days, the need for mobile apps for employees and clients is also growing, and CIOs are finding they need to step up to the plate and take the lead ...
February 29, 2016 29 Feb'16
Consumer privacy rights herald 'third wave' of Web content management

Managing the consumer digital experience ultimately means putting consumers in charge of their digital lives.
February 29, 2016 29 Feb'16
Readers talk tech diversity in wake of Intel report

A recent diversity report by Intel shows the chip maker is making strides towards a more inclusive workplace, but there's still a lot of work to be done -- and both Intel and the rest of the world ...
February 29, 2016 29 Feb'16
Graphene sheets, the fabric of IoT?

Researchers hope ultrathin, light-absorbent graphene sheets will provide the high-quality sensing and power required to reach the full potential of IoT and other smart tech.
February 29, 2016 29 Feb'16
Cutting-edge research: Graphene sheets for capturing and storing energy

The next big thing is actually pretty small: an atom-thick lattice of carbon. Graphene sheets may have applications in solar power, computing, IoT and other smart tech.
February 29, 2016 29 Feb'16
Counterfeits, massive data sets among 3D printing challenges CIOs will face

Three-dimensional printing challenges will test CIOs and IT organizations on security, data management, and their ability to work fast and collaboratively with the business.
February 29, 2016 29 Feb'16
Robots, security as a service, cloud galore, shape ITO-BPO 2016 outlook

What's happening in the IT and business processing outsourcing industry? Here's the 2016 outlook from the ITO-BPO pros at global law firm Mayer Brown.
February 26, 2016 26 Feb'16
Execs prepare for Apple-FBI privacy aftermath; the hype and payoff of 3D printing

The Apple-FBI debate on data privacy versus national security rages on. It has spurred enterprises to look at their own consumer privacy policies. In his Searchlight column, Associate Site Editor ...
February 26, 2016 26 Feb'16
Apple-FBI case: IT execs brace for privacy, security fallout

The Apple-FBI case is igniting an enterprise-wide discussion on privacy versus security. What CIOs need to know. Also in Searchlight: Facebook's population map; Intel's latest diversity push.
February 26, 2016 26 Feb'16
2016 senior IT events calendar

When making 2016 travel plans, refer to this list of face-to-face events in the United States and Canada for senior IT and business leaders.
February 26, 2016 26 Feb'16
Millennial-led midmarket firms report greater SaaS adoption

Midmarket firms are leading the way within the small and medium-sized business space when it comes to software as a service adoption, with 28% of these firms reporting that they have deployed SaaS ...
February 26, 2016 26 Feb'16
UN CITO dreams of foiling dark web with 'Digital Blue Helmets'

UN CITO Atefeh Riazi is taking steps to make the United Nations' IT group more agile and more able to focus on innovation. She also has a plan for taking on the dark web.
February 26, 2016 26 Feb'16
Use cases will dictate 3D printing strategy

Should businesses invest in 3D printing technology? Only the use cases can answer that question, according to experts.
February 23, 2016 23 Feb'16
Do the feds need Apple to bypass smartphone encryption?

The FBI wants Apple to help it disable the smartphone encryption on a device connected to a terrorism case. Here's what to know about a government DIY job.
February 23, 2016 23 Feb'16
U.S. lacks law to make Apple help bypass encryption

The government is using a 1789 law to get Apple to help the FBI bypass encryption on an iPhone used by a suspect in the San Bernardino killing spree.
February 23, 2016 23 Feb'16
Life under a new encryption law

There's no law requiring Apple to decrypt information on a phone connected to December's terrorist attack in San Bernardino, Calif. But what if a new encryption law were passed?
February 19, 2016 19 Feb'16
VR might be headed to the enterprise; Apple-FBI's 'backdoor' battle

Think augmented and virtual reality technologies are just for gamers and those looking to impress their dinner guests? Think again. In this week's Data Mill column, experts at Deloitte discuss how ...
February 19, 2016 19 Feb'16
Apple fight gives glimpse of a 'backdoor' world

A federal court orders Apple to help feds unlock a phone in its San Bernardino case; CEO Cook opposes. Also in Searchlight: AT&T reveals 5G plans; IBM's blockchain gambit.
February 15, 2016 15 Feb'16
Augmented and virtual reality make a play for the enterprise

Augmented and virtual reality are breaking out of the consumer space and into the enterprise. Deloitte explains why it's a good time for CIOs to get ready: The Data Mill reports.
February 12, 2016 12 Feb'16
Obama's cybersecurity plan draws muted praise; CIOs step up in mobile app delivery

The federal government is stepping in to take on cyberthreats. In President Obama's new $19 billion national cybersecurity proposal, he aims to significantly beef up cybersecurity, but will it be ...
February 12, 2016 12 Feb'16
Obama's $19B cybersecurity plan takes aim at cybercrime, underscores skills gap

President Obama's new national cybersecurity plan will beef up cyberdefense, but does it do enough to close the cyber-skills gap? Also in Searchlight: The Obama family's Wi-Fi is patchy; Twitter posts lackluster earnings.
February 11, 2016 11 Feb'16
Two CEO-CIO partnerships on display at CIO conference

Does it make a difference if the CIO reports to the CEO? These two CEO-CIO partnerships make the case for a reporting line to the top.
February 09, 2016 09 Feb'16
The CEO-CIO business partnership in action

Two dynamic CEO-CIO relationships were on display at the SIM Boston Technology Leadership Summit, proving that reporting lines count for CIOs bent on shaping business goals.
February 05, 2016 05 Feb'16
Intel diversity report shows progress; how to bolster security in the cloud age

Intel's annual diversity report was released this week, shows that it's made some headway into increasing its workforce diversity: 43.1% of new hires last year were women or minorities, and there ...
February 05, 2016 05 Feb'16
Intel report puts spotlight on diversity at work

A new report from Intel on its efforts to increase diversity at work is noteworthy for its transparency. Will it spark industry change? Also: Yahoo struggling to keep employees; wearables' upward trend.
February 01, 2016 01 Feb'16
Want to go the private cloud computing route? It's no breeze

Private cloud computing comes with many benefits, but building and managing it is no simple feat. Does your company have what it takes?
February 01, 2016 01 Feb'16
The private versus public cloud dilemma: Start with cost

Building a private cloud offers a host of appealing benefits, including a scalable computing base and speed as a result of standardization. It's a cloud implementation that has worked wonderfully for some organizations, including financial services ...
January 31, 2016 31 Jan'16
IT job skills, digital mind-set in short supply

In the shift to digital business, compensation for IT job skills is more volatile than ever, as companies struggle to incorporate cutting-edge technical skills into old business models.
January 31, 2016 31 Jan'16
Digital business disruption roils the manufacturing sector

Annals of digital business disruption: David Foote follows the money and finds that hard-core manufacturers are coming to terms with the digital era.
January 29, 2016 29 Jan'16
Big data success needs a data-driven culture; renowned AI visionary dies

Successfully reaping the benefits of big data remains a huge challenge for many companies. Big data projects involve not just identifying the right data analyze, but also finding the right people ...
January 29, 2016 29 Jan'16
Minsky, early explorer of AI future, dies at 88

MIT professor Marvin Minsky set artificial intelligence on its current, unfolding course. Also in Searchlight: EMC head says Dell deal is on track despite jitters; top Twitter execs take flight.
January 28, 2016 28 Jan'16
Cloud security culture a building block for today's businesses

As organizations today move more data to the cloud, it's important to cultivate a cloud security culture and enlist a CISO, a new report shows.
January 27, 2016 27 Jan'16
Headhunter dismisses 'rock star CIOs,' extols corporate values

Shawn Banerji cringes when he hears someone called a "rock star CIO." "I can't stand the term," he said during a recent phone call from his offices in New York City. "The CIO job or equivalent is ...
January 22, 2016 22 Jan'16
Global IT spending stagnant amid rising appetite for ITaaS

Global IT spending hits a plateau, says Gartner, but SaaS expenditures are up. What does it mean for CIOs? Also, in Searchlight: Dell-EMC deal in trouble? Microsoft to donate $1B in cloud.
January 15, 2016 15 Jan'16
4 ways to build a successful CIO-CEO relationship

Digital business is having a profound effect on the CIO-CEO relationship. Here's how CIOs can seize the moment.
January 15, 2016 15 Jan'16
Digital business disrupts CIO-CEO relationship

Technology is a top-three business priority for 25% of CEOs, according to Gartner, paving the way for CIOs to play a more strategic role at their companies.
January 15, 2016 15 Jan'16
FTC report puts spotlight on consumer protection in the big data era

A new FTC report zeroes in on the unethical use of big data. Also in Searchlight: Uber pitches customized entertainment; Google cars not yet ready for the road.
January 12, 2016 12 Jan'16
IT pros reveal their 2015 regrets and resolutions for 2016

When reflecting on 2015, IT professionals are bound to have some regrets. In this #CIOChat recap, participants share their biggest 2015 regrets and resolutions for 2016.
December 31, 2015 31 Dec'15
CIOs talk 2016 IT resolutions

From new technology projects to leadership strategies, eight IT leaders tell us what they're resolved to do in 2016.
December 31, 2015 31 Dec'15
IBM CFO Schroeter on the company's innovation strategy

IBM's CFO discusses the company's purchases of The Weather Co. and healthcare companies, changes to its acquisition process and the divestiture of its chip manufacturing business.
December 30, 2015 30 Dec'15
Top CIO tech topics of 2015: Anything but business as usual

The technology topics that grabbed CIOs in 2015 ranged from Dell's audacious EMC bid to the meaning of robotic process automation to some stern advice on how to be a CIO.
December 30, 2015 30 Dec'15
Hadoop security, Spark top list of 2015 Data Mill columns

We've rounded up the top five most popular Data Mill columns in 2015, which touched on bimodal IT, automation and Apache Spark.
December 29, 2015 29 Dec'15
Top Searchlights of 2015: Big data trends, Windows 10 and more

Just in time for the new year, we've rounded up our top Searchlight columns. Read about the year's top technology stories on 2015 big data trends, Windows 10, the Apple Watch and more.
December 29, 2015 29 Dec'15
Corporate culture can sabotage success of chief digital officer

Digital business has created a new seat at the C-suite table: the chief digital officer. But according to research from Strategy&, a global strategy consulting team at PricewaterhouseCoopers, ...
December 23, 2015 23 Dec'15
Industry cloud boon for IT, bane for unwary tech vendors

A new Industry cloud trend may position IT as a strategic business partner -- and it may mean lost revenue for tech companies that aren't vigilant.

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