At the beginning of the 21st century, the role of technology changed at many companies. With information technology as important as it is today, many companies have expanded their IT departments and given them a more important role in future plans. As the IT departments expanded, they began needing a different structure and management. Many IT departments are represented at the executive level by the chief information officer.
Definition
The CIO is the executive who is in charge of the IT division of a company. He reports to the chief executive officer and often sits on the executive board. His role is to provide direction and create infrastructure for all of the company's technology and to suggest technological processes and programs. He does this within the parameters of the company and available technology, as well as within a capital budget.
Beginnings
Historically, the role of the CIO was to control and organize information as a resource that would give the company a competitive edge. As technology began to become more prevalent in the workplace, the CIO became more concerned with information that could be digitized, and the position began to become more related to computer and technology.
Cost Controls
In the late 1980s and 1990s, computers began to be a primary tool for employees. Many companies looked to their CIO to plan for that technology. The CIO was the person responsible for creating email and website infrastructure, maintaining an inventory of hardware and software being used, and keeping up with increasing and changing technological needs. The hardest part was maintaining growth in this territory while controlling costs. This balancing act was not always easy.
Expanding Role
As the 20th century ended, many companies realized that instead of technology being a tool for employees, it could be used as an advantage over competitors. The CIO became the person to create and maintain software systems and company intranets that would give business competitive advantage. The role began to change to a more development- and guidance-oriented position.
Future
As technology continues to grow and change, the CIO will have to grow and change with it to stay ahead and keep the company ahead of the curve. She must know about products and tools before they come out to make recommendations about what the company needs to stay relevant.
