Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a CIO and why do I need one?
- Isn't this like what a technician, network administrator, or programmer does?
- My neighbor's son is in High School and is good with computers. Can't he do this work?
- Can't a smart CFO or COO take on the CIO's role?
- What strategic areas does the CIO head up?
- If this position is so important, why don't we already have one?
- What's the difference between a part-time, outsourced, fractional, on-demand, and virtual CIO?
- I've heard that most outsourced positions are filled by people halfway around the world with heavy accents - is that what The CIO Source does?
- Our Vendor sends their vCIO (virtual CIO) to us once per quarter. Isn't this the same as what you offer?
- I really need a part-time CIO, but I'm not sure I can afford one.
- Have different question? email us now
What is a CIO and why do I need one?
The CIO, or Chief Information Officer, is responsible for the following:- Find ways to cut operating costs in all areas
- Promote strategic growth by finding and analyzing critical information
- Ensure the security of the enterprise including Business Continuity, Disaster Recovery, and Compliance
- Determine methods to analyze and improve productivity (all departments)
- Develop and adhere to a budget
- Ensure that all departments are properly served by I.T.
- Find ways to make I.T. contribute to the bottom line
- More...
Isn't this like what a technician, network administrator, or programmer does?
Not at all. Technicians, network administrators, and programmers are staff level positions, and perform tactical, day-to-day work. By contrast, the CIO works at the Executive (or "C") level, and performs Strategic, Leadership, and Management functions on the business side of IT.Back to top.
My neighbor's son is in High School and is good with computers. Can't he do this work?
It's true that IT includes computers, networks, and other technology, which are supported by the IT department's tactical staff. By contrast, the CIO is a business-related position that leverages the company's technology in order to cut costs, ensure Compliance and Security, establish and adhere to budgets, and so forth at the Executive level.Back to top.
Can't a smart CFO or COO take on the CIO's role?
Just as the CFO specializes in Financial matters and the COO in Operations, the CIO possesses the particular skills, education, and experience to excel at managing IT.Back to top.
What strategic areas does the CIO head up?
Typically, this includes finding ways to reduce costs; improve profits; keeping the Information Infrastructure sound; Security, Compliance, Policies, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning; Resource Management; Budgeting, Formulating Strategic Goals and Objectives; and supporting the company's growth objectives.Back to top.
If this position is so important, why don't we already have one?
Based on a recent survey, the average annual compensation for a CIO is $300,000.00, which most small and medium-sized companies can't afford. Instead, The CIO Source provides CIOs part-time in proportion to the client's needs -- they get the advantages of a fully experienced Fortune 500 CIO at a fraction of the cost.Back to top.
What's the difference between a part-time, outsourced, fractional, on-demand, and virtual CIO?
These titles generally mean the same thing: the position is provided by an outside company on a part-time basis. Beware: sometimes "virtual" means that the person is far away and only available by phone or email. In contrast, we provide onsite services anytime the client needs us.Back to top.
I've heard that most outsourced positions are filled by people halfway around the world with heavy accents - is that what The CIO Source does?
Absolutely not! At The CIO Source, all of our CIOs are US citizens who live in the United States and are local to your company, so they can be on-site anytime you need them.Back to top.
Our Vendor sends their vCIO (virtual CIO) once per quarter. Isn't this the same as what you offer?
Not really. Many of our clients feel that such vCIOs are technically-oriented salespeople trying to sell you more equipment or services. Second, many people consider it a conflict of interest for a company to first advise you on what you need, and then sell it to you - there is no objectivity. Since we only advise you and don't sell such tactical products, we are 100% objective and truly look out for your best interests.Back to top.
I really need a part-time CIO, but I'm not sure I can afford one.
The CIO Source will work with your executive staff to work out a budget and schedule that fits your needs. We are successful working with clients of all shapes and sizes.Back to top.
