Cloud Computing Is Influencing IT Budgeting

The IT budgeting process can be tricky for CIOs and other budget influencers to navigate. Priority items come in waves from multiple departments and lines of business.

A lot of those priorities can typically fall in the “keep the lights on” category. This could consist of server updates, new equipment, maintenance, and other infrastructure needs. (Truthfully, many costs that cloud service providers can help you offload.)

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Trust is the hallmark of any rock-solid partnership – especially in the business world, between customers and vendors. 

When trust is established early on, the two sides can bring out the best in each other. However, if trust is in jeopardy at the onset, neither side will be able to get on the same page. There can be a constant tug of war of expectations. And ultimately, the progress of the partnership can come to a standstill.

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When should you put your disaster recovery plan (DRP) into motion? 

Well, one would think when a disaster actually unfolds. That’s the point of having a disaster recovery plan in the first place. Right?

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Last week, I touched on the hack that took place at the United States Office of Personnel Management (O.P.M).  

I didn’t get the chance to dig into that story much further than simply listing the incident as an example of a high-profile cyber-attack. But it goes beyond that. This incident is a prime example of security neglect gone wrong.

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Maintaining a server room isn’t for the faint of heart. 

Whether there are environmental challenges, security concerns, or inexplicable operational breakdowns that arise, it’s a constant challenge to keep a server room under control. You need a dedicated staff to provide around-the-clock monitoring and maintenance or you’ll run the risk of a server room meltdown.

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We’ve heard a lot about high profile cyber-attacks in the news. 

Target, Anthem, US Office of Personnel Management, Sony…the list goes on. These attacks have come from a sophisticated groups of hackers, and some of those groups are sponsored by foreign governments.

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The role of a CIO is evolving. 

While CIOs once played the role of the trusted technology adviser, they are now having to prove their worth as they step into more prominent strategic roles -- especially as technology continues driving business in today’s competitive markets.

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The days of being a one-dimensional technology specialist are disappearing faster than a Randy Johnson fastball.

Today, IT vendors need to help their customers see the business rationale (ROI, market advantage, lower cost of ownership) behind an IT purchasing decision. IDC released an insightful report outlining the steps IT companies need to take to shift to a business-buyer focus.

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Throughout the month, we’ve been discussing the state of digital advancement and its profound effect on the business world.

Businesses have a unique opportunity to rethink their traditional processes, generate new ideas for improvement, and actually turn those ideas into a full-blown reality. It’s an exciting prospect to be sure. 
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A recent video has resurfaced that hasn’t been seen for a little over 30 years.

It comes at the perfect time, almost serving as a powerful reminder that today’s conversation of digital disruption had already been taking place between tech’s greatest innovators, like Steve Jobs, back in 1984.

Some of you may remember the first presentation Jobs made for the Mac because you were actually there. In fact, one of Jobs’ presentations took place at a meeting hosted by the Boston Computer Society, not that far away, in the Old John Hancock Building. For a lot of you that weren’t there, the demonstration was recently made available by TIME. It was during this occasion that Apple’s legendary commercial for the Mac was shown to the masses behind the backdrop of Jobs’ message that “1984 won’t be like 1984.”

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