Outsourced CIO and CTO Services

What is the difference between a CIO and CTO?

You might think of the CIO as the inner-focused technology leader. She is responsible for the internal IT infrastructure. While she has deep technology experience like a CTO, she will focus on the value technology brings to the organization.

The CTO, on the other hand, is more focused on how technology works. He is responsible for delivering the products and services to the external customers. Like the CIO, he will have a clear understanding of how all of the organization's technologies work together.

In some organizations these roles are combined since there is some overlap. Your company's needs will determine how these key roles and responsibilities best fit into your organization.

What is a Chief Information Officer (CIO)?

Your CIO manages the IT infrastructure of the entire organization. The CIO serves as the connector among the technical, C-level, board, and all team members. He combines executive strategy with the essential technologies to continually ensure a focused growth path.

Why Should You Hire a CIO?

Because the CIO brings the unique blend of technical and business experience, she can translate strategy into actionable technical plans. She ensures that each technology product and service will work with other tools and software.

In most organizations IT is isolated (and often dreaded), operating in a dark vacuum. This creates a barrier between business users and the technology team who is expected to support them. The CIO bridges this gap and facilitates the ongoing flow of communication.

When Should You Hire a CIO?

Setting a clear technical strategy is essential for your company's focused growth. That means hiring a CIO as soon as you begin planning your company. He will provide valuable guidance in planning, purchasing, and implementing the right tools to build a solid foundation. The outsourced CIO approach eliminates the burden of a full-time staff member which most SMBs simply cannot afford and don't need.

If your company is established, you have likely acquired a lot of products and services that meet your company's day-to-day needs. A CIO is invaluable in taking an objective assessment of your current IT infrastructure. Are these tools meeting the needs for which they were intended? Are they being used at all? Where are the gaps? The list goes on.

What Does a CIO Do?

Your CIO will deliver the services that are right for your company. Some of the essentials services include:

Establishes the organization's technical strategy and goals

Develops strategic plans for development and delivery of the organization's technology

Develops and maintains the organization's IT budget

Thoroughly evaluates the company's existing IT infrastructre for effectiveness, adoption, and ongoing usefulness

Identifies gaps in the organization's technology solutions

Continually monitors and learns about technology and industry trends

Collaborates with internal teams and company leadership to achieve a shared purpose

Mentors and teaches internal team members to develop deeper IT knowledge

Establishes and enforces IT policies and procedures

Implements technology that delivers efficiency and streamlines workflows

Identifies opportunities to automate manual processes

Maintains ongoing communication and assessment of deliverables from third-party technology service providers

What is a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)?

Your CTO is responsible for detailing the company's technology vision, ensuring this vision is aligned with the overall company strategy, implementing the technology plans, and maintaining the alignment between technology and company needs.

Why Should You Hire a CTO?

Like the CIO, the CTO combines technical and business experience. She will translate company strategy into actionable technical plans. She ensures that each technology product and service aligns with the IT infrastructure.

The CTO is responsible for all technology issues within the organization. She will identify the tools that best support both internal and external users' needs.

When Should You Hire a CTO?

Regardless of your company's growth stage, a clear technical strategy is essential for your company's focused growth. That means having access to an experienced CTO with a broad range of experiences as soon as you begin planning your company. He will provide valuable guidance in planning, purchasing, and implementing the right tools to build a solid foundation. An outsourced CTO is the ideal solution for many organizations.

What Does a CTO Do?

Your CTO will deliver the services that are right for your company. Some of the essentials services include:

Establishes the company's technical vision and leads technology development

Outlines goals for continous research and development

Ensures a customer-focused approach in all IT products and deliverables

Identifies opportunities for software and app development

Develops technology plans and ensures implementation

Develops deployment timelines consistent with the company's overall strategy

Maintains network security with appropriate network teams

Defines policies for technology use and management