By MIT CIO | May 1, 2008
CIO INSIGHT recently published an intriguing article focused on mid-market CIOs. Here are a few findings that stood out for us –
1. Mid-market CIOs typically play a more hands-on role at mid-market corporations than their counterparts at larger corporations.
2. Mid-market CIOs tend to be less ‘business-focused’ – with a majority of them growing up from the IT architecture domain. To quote “business skills appear less important”.
3. Only a quarter of them have MBAs
4. Their salaries tend to be lower than for their counterparts in larger corporations
5. And finally, their core focus is on “making technology work” vs. “being an enabler of technology” – bringing a fundamental difference in focus and priorities for the CIO
What do you think? Read more and let us know – http://www.cioinsight.com/c/a/Mid-Market-Research/Fundamentally-Essential/?kc=COQFTEMNL050108STR1
Topics: CIO Track | 1 Comment »
One Response to “Focus on mid-market CIOs”
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Given the vast array of “specialized widgets & wizardy” that need come together to weave the fabric of contemporary organization’s IS/IT infrastructure; it is not surprising that organizations that dont enjoy economies of scale need to contend with truly doing more with less. Playing “hands on roles making technologies work” is probably a direct result .
“Apps on tap” and “software as a service” are beacons of hope to mid-market CIO’s. They must consider outsourcing the mechanics and focus on other ways to add value – say, business process transformation/optimization, high-value analytics, new product / service creation etc. This would highlight the “I” in the CIO, i.e. “Information” and truly bring the CIO to THE Table as a value-adding partner.
“Commodity IT” is here to stay … and keeping the ‘lights on’ here with a myriad mix of widgets to take care of (and pay for!) only detracts from keeping the eye on the business. Mid Market CIO’s are possibly a rich source for lessons in optimal allocation of resources.
I would predict that as IT itself becomes more ubiquitous, and mid-market CIO’s outsource commodity IT, more and more line-of-business Executives will start taking interest in becoming CIO. Give it a good generation (or half!), and today’s Facebook-fed, MySpace-mingling crowd will cross the rubicon more effortlessly and stake claim to the chair.
What do you think? How will the Mid Market CIO look 10 years from now?
~ S