Fractional CIO Position
A fractional CIO, also known as a fCIO (fractional Chief Information Officer), is a senior executive that supports multiple companies on a part-time basis. They are tasked with bringing the IT leadership and vision needed to help ensure that the business is successful. They oversee technology roadmaps, IT security, systems design, data center operations and development. They are a key resource for small to mid-sized businesses that cannot afford the expense of hiring a full-time CIO.
SMEs rely on technology to operate and grow, but many lack the expertise and resources required to harness their full potential. They may have a dedicated IT manager who is excellent at day-to-day work but has no time to look beyond. This is common because the role of a CIO demands that they have their hands in every project to provide direction and support.
An independent fractional CIO ensures that recommendations, guidance and advice are presented objectively and in the enterprise’s best interest. They also have no ties to any particular vendor, hardware or software product, which allows them to thoroughly analyze options and test solutions. A fCIO objective perspective allows them to make the necessary recommendations to help your business succeed.
What Is a Fractional CIO Position?
It is crucial that your fCIO has both IT and business experience to develop a forward-thinking IT strategy for your company. They need to understand how your staff utilizes the technology in their daily tasks and what is working well and what is not, so they can make appropriate changes and improvements. They should also be able to clearly communicate how these changes and improvements will benefit the company in the long-term.
A good fCIO will be a strategist as well as an executor. They should be able to create roadmaps and plans and also be able to take the lead on implementing those ideas. They need to be a proactive leader that is able to think outside of the box and come up with innovative solutions that will allow your business to remain competitive.
The fCIO’s goal is to provide your company with a clear roadmap and plan that will allow you to continue to be successful as your business grows. This is achieved by ensuring that all of your IT processes are running smoothly and efficiently. They will also be able to guide you as your business continues to evolve so that you can leverage the latest IT solutions.
If you are interested in finding out more about what a fCIO can do for your organization, contact us today. A TechCXO advisor will reach out to you to learn more about your needs, and then match you with the right fCIO for your unique situation. This can be done remotely or in-person depending on your preferences. Our team will also be happy to answer any questions you may have along the way.