Archive for July, 2010

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Is The Cloud Ready For Primetime?

July 29th, 2010

Some interesting results came back from a recent survey conducted by TPI regarding cloud computing. According to the survey, which polled 140 corporate IT decision makers, nearly four out of five companies are considering cloud computing solutions. Three out of five however are actually putting them into action. How are these IT departments doing this you ask?

In an article by Stephanie Overby on CIO.com, she writes that they are easing into it with smaller, lower risk services. Companies are still cautious and Kevin Smilie, head of TPI’s cloud computing business solutions unit, believes they are not yet “convinced cloud services are ready for the prime time requirements of their core operations.” These services are simply too vital to trust to cloud computing in its early development. Those IT departments that have decided to risk their mainstream operations on the cloud are doing so for one reason according to Smilie and that is cost savings.

Most companies that have adopted such practices are selecting private cloud options because of lower costs with enterprise-class service levels and security. This is something they simply cannot receive in the public cloud space. As a result, IT service providers are trying to offer more in the private cloud sector to soothe the apprehension of many IT buyers.

To read Stephanie’s entire article, called “IT Departments Move Low-Risk Services to the Cloud,” head over to CIO.com or click HERE.

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What Are CIOs Trying To Hide?

July 28th, 2010

Every CIO can immediately think back to an instance when they had technology projects that failed due to vendor complications. Despite these difficulties, Thomas Wailgum brings up an interesting point and very debatable topic in his article “Are CIOs Too Cozy with their Technology Vendors?”Why do CIOs refuse to voice their displeasure when given the opportunity? Wailgum surmises with the constant frustration and lack of appreciation they receive from their vendors they should feel compelled to do something about it. When it comes down to it though, in most cases, CIOs refuse to name specific vendors like Oracle, IBM, or Microsoft or offer honest assessments of their products in a public forum.

CIOs need to remember that they are the consumers in the relationship, therefore they hold the power, says Wailgum. He wonders if, in today’s smothering atmosphere of political correctness, CIOs are just relaying what their PR people script for them. This just should not be the case. In fact CIOs have more choices today than ever before, strengthening their already solid consumer position.

For example, cloud computing has created a plethora of business computing options. Unfortunately, according to Wailgum, they are not taking advantage of their position and this is a disappointment. With that kind of force in the market, CIOs should be on the offensive, pressuring their vendors to improve their technology and correct any errors in a timely manner or else.

To read Thomas Wailgum’s article, “Are CIOs Too Cozy with their Technology Vendors?,” in its entirety please click HERE.

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Communication: A CIO’s Best Friend or Worst Enemy

July 21st, 2010

Arguably the most important leadership trait in IT is the ability to communicate effectively. For the CIO in particular this is a critical part of his/her job. They need to be able to negotiate and state their business cases to shareholders. They have to be convincing, credible, and captivating to get their projects approved. However, CIOs are human beings just like anyone else and sometimes they make mistakes when it comes to communication. Meredith Levinson spoke with some CIOs about this for her article on CIO.com entitled “10 Communication Mistakes CIOs Still Make.”

Here are a few of the mistakes she lists:

  • They Use Scare Tactics to Sell Ideas

Some CIOs will go into a business meeting and tell the other executives if they don’t do this and that the company could be in real trouble. They exaggerate and oversimplify things. Instead of opening up a stakeholder’s mind to new ideas though, this can make them more cautious and weary. It is recommended that a CIO present a few solutions with pros and cons and focus on financial, business, and customer impact.

  • They Over-Rely on Facts

Obviously facts are critical for a CIO in building his/her case but relying too heavily on the facts can take away emotional appeal. Instead, says one CIO, you should be telling a story to capture a stakeholder’s imagination. This creates a connection or bond and you’re more likely to win them over.

  • They Put Audiences to Sleep with Power Point

Power Point is without a doubt a popular tool in the business world but a lot of people simply cannot build a decent presentation worth sitting thru. Bullet point after bullet point leaves executives bored and overloaded on information. CIOs should take a step back before making a presentation and decide if Power Point really is the most effective way to state your case. Perhaps you could try a dramatic demonstration. That’s much more exciting and once again appeals to the emotional side of people, not just their intelligence.

To check out the rest of this list as well as Meredith’s complete article, head over to CIO.com or CLICK HERE.

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