CIO Priority Resolutions in 2004

Assess imminent shifts in business and technology, and prepare to respond

Many vendors have maintained R&D spending to continue advancing their technology, despite the recession in IT. The effects of a networked economy have deepened and accelerated some business and economic trends. As the global economy warms up, it presents new challenges, opportunities and operating conditions. These trends should be fully understood to prepare for the next wave of technology-enabled business improvements.

Make clear technology choices and set policy

Many CIOs have deliberately left some technical policy questions unanswered. Their staff was kept busy on investigations that reduced eventual risk and delayed cash outlay. But the return of favorable business conditions will bring pressure to expedite approvals on long-delayed projects. Developers will rightly propose powerful new technologies and methods that have been maturing over the past two years. Without a clear policy, the first flurry of local project approvals will set ad hoc precedents that will be regretted later.

IT leaders should decide now and ensure explicit policy is set on issues such as:

Stay in direct touch with technological developments

Many CIOs have not visited trade shows recently. In 2003, the biggest shows had a 25 percent to 30 percent drop in visitors. But progressive technology and services march onward, and reading reports is not a complete substitute for direct experience.

IS leaders should get personal experience or demonstrations of newer technologies that business and IT colleagues will encounter in 2004, including: