Deloitte has published its ten top challenges for CIOs in 2010.
In 2009 we focused on helping CIOs emerge as winners in what have certainly proved to be very challenging times. Cost and cash pressures dominated 2009, and successful CIOs managed to drive down spending while making the most of existing assets through balancing business demand.
We are now presented with not just a new year, but a new decade. Our approach to supporting clients through what will be another challenging year, and beyond, is to focus on doing the right things to eliminate unnecessary expenditure and maximise opportunities for growth and building business value.
Key findings
• Take control – Working in partnership with suppliers requires fostering a positive relationship but also means controlling costs and focusing on business value.
• Transform your costs – CIOs should be exploring the benefits of migrating business services into the cloud; particularly in areas such as email and office productivity tools where proven alternatives are available.
• A virtual reality – A focus on controlling spending should include examination of service delivery transformation by exploring innovative methods.
• Streamlining talent – Now is the time to identify and address talent gaps to optimise delivery capability. Where possible, consolidate and centralise teams while seeking additional ways to supplement capabilities by taking advantage of alternative delivery options.
• Recognise your value – CIOs who have successfully reduced the cost of IT while continuing to deliver business value through these tough times will have demonstrated credibility with their business colleagues and are well-positioned to play a greater role in advising and deciding on project and programme investments.
• Power in your hands – Opportunities to generate competitive advantage exist in mobile service delivery to both business customers and consumers.
• Spring clean and benefit from green – Many organisations retain an IT legacy which is expensive to maintain and support. With out-of-support application and energy costs rising, now is the time to review, rationalise and refresh the legacy in order to reduce overhead and maximise value for money.
• Managing Change – While IT organisations have embraced methods such as the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) for service delivery and realised improvements as a result, there is not the same level of maturity around programme and project delivery.
• Keep in touch – The rise of social networking has been dramatic and is now making inroads into the corporate environment.
• Be prepared – CIOs should be prepared for a broad range of business challenges, ranging from natural disasters through increased regulation and market volatility.
Download Ten top challenges for CIOs in 2010
