Why an IT manager has four hats

David Bicknell

about 1 year ago 1 Comment

I just read a piece that, courtesy of an event in the US, sets out the different 'roles' that an effective IT manager or chief information officer (CIO) has. They cover the four 'I's, ranging from a traditional IT 'infrastructure' job, to one that includes responsibilities for 'integration', 'intelligence' and 'innovation'. Arguably, many IT managers are already adopting some or all of these job descriptions in their day to day responsibilities.

Chief Infrastructure Officer: i.e. the traditional CIO. It's all about keeping the lights on, cutting costs, standardising, and making things more efficient.
Chief Integration Officer: i.e. CIOs focusing on integration are trying to connect customers and suppliers and partners outside the organisation. It is all about the data, information and the customer interaction history.
Chief Intelligence Officer: For the chief intelligence officer, the role is about getting the right information to the right person at the right time with the right security model.
Chief Innovation Officer: The chief innovation officer's mantra might be 'let's try it.' From Cloud to mobile apps to bring your own devices (i.e. BYOD)

Is this a picture you see emerging? Are there any other 'I's that you'd add?

Comments

Colin Beveridge CTIP FBCS FIMIS

I am always pleased to see that people are reviewing the nature of the CIO role. For the past few years I have been writing about this topic and firmly believe that the most natural CIO role is as the Chief Integration Officer. This is something that we can realistically achieve, while the other options listed in the above source are unachievable and undeliverable. It's time to get real and concentrate on a genuine objective. More of my views on this at http://www.colin-beveridge.com/index.php/time-for-the-cio-as-chief-integration-officer/

IMIS