Chief information officers (CIOs) will come under
increased pressure in 2006 to deliver for their company’s top and
bottom lines whilst they transform their IT organisations to become
more externally focused.
According to a worldwide survey of 1,400 CIOs by analyst
Gartner, companies now expect IT to play a significant role in
business growth and competitiveness, a shift that will accelerate
in 2006.
Gartner surveyed 1,400 CIOs at large companies in more than 30
countries, representing more than £53bn ($90bn) in IT spending.
“The survey results make it very clear that business
expectations of IT have changed dramatically and executives are
expecting their CIOs to move beyond concerns about cost, security
and quality, to help grow the business,” said Gartner analyst
Marcus Blosch.
As a result, the survey found that business process improvement
- making a company easier to do business with - is the top business
priority for CIOs.
In addition, said Gartner, 2006 will see CIOs become more
externally focused; helping the business to grow customer
relationships, improve competitiveness and increase overall
efficiency.