Automation and the Modern CIO
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Automation and the Modern CIO
By Karen A. Frenkel -
Be Disruptive
The best way to predict the future is to shape it yourself. Embrace new technologies as early as possible to fully exploit their potential. Regard disruption as an opportunity rather than something to cope with. -
Get Bimodal
Gartner outlines an imperative need for two distinct software engineering methodologies: the rigid, traditional waterfall approach and flexible DevOps. Too many CIOs merely oversee an ineffective combination of the two, but both are essential. -
Practice DevOps
Lots of people are talking about it, but not many are doing it as intended. That it is trial and error, takes time and has no set roadmap makes it difficult to budget for. However, results are well worth the investment. -
Get Closer to Business
The modern CIO belongs at the fulcrum of all business matters. Strong ties must be forged with other business leaders: the CFO, service desks or analysts. Be the first to know how you can help other business leaders and find new ways to innovate together. -
Automate
Automating key business processes means they run faster, without risk of human error. Workload and application release can both be automated to ensure your IT department works and grows to its potential. -
Exploit the Cloud
While at first CIOs were wary of using the cloud for critical processes, its proven reliability means it can be trusted. Switching processes to the cloud frees up budget to focus on innovation. -
Effectively Distill Big Data
As the Internet of things gradually becomes a reality, the amount of data is growing rapidly. However, it means nothing if it is not interpreted effectively. Here lies a rare opportunity to define your own market. -
Empower Staff
Rather than quashing ambition by enforcing technical limitations, the CIO has the power to empower. Promoting the use of certain technology could enable staff to broaden their horizons while doing their job better and faster. -
Prioritize Security
Standards set by social sites mean consumers want access to everything, any time and from any device. This presents security issues that must be solved. Increased complexity must be matched by security solutions. -
Embrace Social
CIOs should support their CMOs by supplying cutting-edge tools and apps to develop customer loyalty. CIOs also have a key role in choosing and measuring key performance indicators from social channels and in translating them into vital market insights.
The modern CIO runs one of the most critical departments in the business. IT is the seat of innovation, so the direction the CIO ought to take is discussed at the board level. In this transitional period for IT, trends have ever-shortening lifespans; disruption is the norm. The CIO is empowered to lead the business across choppy waters while steadying the ship. "Rather than waiting for the storm to hit and reacting when it's too late, proactivity is essential to drive profit," said Chris Boorman, Chief Marketing Officer of Automic. "Developing a bimodal approach to software development is vital to success over the next couple of years." IT increasingly holds the key to how customers interact with the business and its reputation across social channels. Besides predicting and negotiating trends, the CIO must ensure that his or her own ship is in order. Business automation, especially the waterfall approach, coupled with DevOps, is key to speed and agility, and when combined with the cloud, big data and the Internet of things, it enables the CIO to shape the future success of the business. Here are Boorman's 10 ways do that.