Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ)
Asked
Questions (FAQ)
Frequently
Asked
Questions (FAQ)
Do you have a question that we haven’t answered? Click the button below and send us a message.
The Chief Information Officer, also known as a CIO, is the executive officer in charge of information processing in an organization. All systems design, development, and data center operations fall under the responsibility of a CIO. The CIO is responsible for explaining the complexity of the infrastructure to management and why systems need to be retrofitted or replaced.
Increasingly, CIOs create profit centers for the business by using new or emerging technologies. By collaborating with other executives, CIOs often work closely with business development for the organization.
Fractional CIOs can differ from traditional CIOs in that they serve as a contractor member of an organization’s executive management team and may or may not serve on the organization’s board.
A Fractional CIO, also known as a part-time CIO, is an experienced, multi-faceted professional who serves as the CIO for a small to medium sized business that can not afford or doesn’t need a full-time executive to hold the position. A virtual CIO or vCIO may have a similar role. Still, the term virtual suggests that the individual is not present in the organization on the same basis as an employed executive. During times of interruption or the absence of a CIO, companies retain a virtual CIO for a limited period, often to oversee a specific project. As with traditional CIOs, a fractional CIO often helps with technology roadmaps, business process improvements, and business technology strategy.
The key benefit of contracting with a Fractional CIO is that they provide the same expertise and capability as a full-time CIO without the associated overhead and benefits associated with adding another top-level executive.
Fractional CIOs typically serve several companies and may or may not engage in managing a company’s IT staff or other resources.
While managed service providers (MSPs) can provide a variety of IT services to their clients, including monitoring, maintenance, and support for technology infrastructure, they are generally not equipped to provide the level of strategic planning and leadership that a fractional Chief Information Officer (CIO) can offer.
Fractional CIOs are C-level executives who specialize in providing high-level IT guidance part-time or project-based. They have typically experienced professionals with a deep understanding of a wide range of IT-related issues, including strategy, budgeting, and project management.
In contrast, MSPs are generally more focused on the day-to-day management and support of a company’s IT infrastructure. They may not have the same level of expertise or experience in strategic planning and leadership as a fractional CIO.
While an MSP can undoubtedly be a valuable resource for businesses that need assistance with their IT infrastructure, it is essential for companies to understand the limitations of an MSP and not expect them to fulfill the same role as a fractional CIO. If a business needs high-level IT guidance and leadership, it may be more appropriate to hire a fractional CIO or a full-time CIO.
A fractional Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a professional who provides C-level IT leadership part-time or project-based. The specific responsibilities of a fractional CIO will vary depending on the needs of the company, but some everyday tasks that a fractional CIO might be responsible for include:
- Developing and implementing a long-term IT strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business goals.
- Managing the budget for IT projects and initiatives and ensuring that the company gets the best value for its IT investment.
- Overseeing the selection, implementation, and maintenance of technology systems and platforms.
- Leading IT-related projects and initiatives, including planning, execution, and testing.
- Actively seeking out new technologies and solutions that could benefit the company and staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
- Serving as a thought leader and advisor to senior management and other stakeholders on IT-related matters.
- Managing the performance and career development of IT staff.
Overall, the primary responsibility of a fractional CIO is to provide strategic IT leadership and guidance to a company, helping to ensure that the company’s technology infrastructure is aligned with its business goals and is being used effectively to drive success.
The CIO Assessment Report covers the 12 Areas of the responsibilities of a Fractional CIO.
- Business-aligned IT Strategy
- An Information Security Planning
- Budgeting
- Project Portfolio Management Strategy
- Disaster Preparedness
- Cloud Readiness
- Data Governance
- Application Rationalization
- IT Asset Management
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training
- Vendor Management
- Annual Recap with Senior Management
These are the critical areas of a CIO’s responsibilities.
The CIO Assessment Report can take 1 to 2 days for fact-finding on-site, depending on the company’s size. Then the report is put together and analyzed in about 2 to 3 weeks.