A qualified MSP can provide an economical way to get the expertise of an experienced CIO.
Technology advances come with both opportunities and risks for small to midsize enterprises (SMEs). Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prime example. AI can enable unprecedented levels of efficiency, transforming operations and enabling the development of new products, services and business models. If not properly implemented and managed, however, AI can expose sensitive data and create regulatory compliance challenges.
Business leaders are responsible for developing the vision that will guide the organization’s efforts to take advantage of these new technologies. However, many SME leaders struggle to understand complex technologies and make effective decisions regarding IT investments and strategy. Without a solid background in IT, it’s hard to separate hype from reality and choose technologies that will deliver as promised. In addition, business leaders are often unaware of simple, cost-effective solutions that could have a big impact on their operations for a limited investment.
These challenges often prevent SMEs from maximizing the value of their IT investments. In a recent CompTIA survey, 64 percent of SMEs said technology plays a key role in obtaining their business objectives. However, just 18 percent felt they excelled at technology vision and strategy and just 22 percent at execution and implementation.
What Is a Virtual CIO?
Business leaders may turn to in-house IT staff to gain insight into the latest technology trends. However, IT staff typically have their hands full keeping up with day-to-day maintenance tasks with little time to identify and evaluate new solutions. Furthermore, technical personnel don’t always have the business perspective needed to guide technology decision-making.
That’s why SMEs can benefit from “virtual CIO” services. Virtual CIOs are seasoned IT executives who have executed a wide range of IT projects for diverse organizations. They have seen what works and what doesn’t and understand how to map technology investments to business goals. While few SMEs would have the budget to hire a full-time CIO, you can use virtual CIO services as needed at a fraction of the cost of a CIO’s salary.
A virtual CIO will work closely with an organization’s executive team to identify technology trends that could impact the organization and evaluate specific technology solutions in terms of the organization’s business strategy. The virtual CIO can also help the organization develop an IT roadmap and minimize the risks associated with new technology adoption.
Qualified virtual CIOs will not push technology for technology’s sake. They will help ensure that existing technologies are being utilized to their full potential. They’ll help IT staff understand all the features of existing tools, maximize user adoption, and develop policies and procedures for effective IT management.
How to Utilize Virtual CIO Services
Virtual CIO services can be tailored to meet the needs of organizations of any size and any industry, covering everything from project management and reporting to regular consultations. This model also provides access to a proven leader who can drive strategy and provide the fresh viewpoint that comes from an outside perspective.
Best-in-class managed services providers (MSPs) provide executive-level strategy and planning services. The MSP’s consultants will meet with stakeholders to discuss business goals and technology pain points. They can also help identify operational bottlenecks that could be relieved by technology as well as opportunities to increase productivity and grow the top and bottom line. Organizations should ensure that the virtual CIO doesn’t represent any particular vendor or solution and will provide an objective and cost-efficient opinion that maximizes existing technology investments.
Technology can help level the playing field, but smaller organizations often face enormous obstacles when it comes to adopting the latest solutions. Virtual CIO services allow organizations to work with an executive who can help guide their IT strategy and oversee the implementation of that strategy in alignment with business goals.
