Does My Organization Need a vCIO? 5 Things You Need to Know

You’re probably asking yourself - does my organization need a virtual chief information officer? Short answer: YES. But that’s the short answer. Hey, I’m Jeff Blount with Cobb technologies, and in this video we’re going to talk about vCIOs, what they do, and how they can help your business. 

1. WHAT IS A CIO?

To understand the role of a vCIO, you need to know what a CIO is and does. If your organization depends on technology - as most organizations in 2020 do - you’re going to need a CIO, chief information officer. The role of a CIO has evolved over the years, but to put it succinctly, a CIO is going to come alongside your executive leadership and help make the best decisions for your company. 

CIOs are in high demand, and many organizations cannot afford the salary, benefits, and even office space required by a full-time CIO. This is where vCIOs come into play.

2. WHAT IS A vCIO?

A virtual chief information officer is an excellent alternative for SMBs that can’t afford a full-time CIO. A vCIO will meet with C-Level executives to formulate your organization’s IT strategy and will look at the organization from a business management and operations standpoint to solve tech issues.

3. WHAT DOES A vCIO DO?

Like a CIO, a vCIO will work with you to create a tactical IT roadmap and strategy and execute it. Your vCIO will optimize your current network while researching and preparing for your organization’s next tech upgrade. They will also head your quarterly business review, and plan and facilitate company expansions - this would even include project and vendor management.

Your vCIO will manage your business’ hardware and software while also instructing and leading your IT staff. Your vCIO is the standard-bearer for technology in your organization - they will work with you to educate your employees, secure your network, improve your existing infrastructure, and ensure that you’ll be technologically ready to support your organization’s goals.

Even though it’s in the name, there’s nothing virtual about a vCIO. They’re real flesh and blood people who, as you heard earlier, will be deeply involved with the undertakings in your business, and will work with you to exceed your organization’s goals. Your vCIO won’t be onsite at your office everyday, but they’ll be extremely accessible and communicative.

There’s not a huge difference between a vCIO and a CIO, however, it bears mentioning that vCIOs have the added benefit of working in a wide range of disciplines - this means that they are well-rounded and can draw experience from other organizations, applying innovative solutions learned from working with other clients in disparate fields. 

Like a CIO, a vCIO serves as the essential bridge between technology and your organization, optimizing the way you do business and providing knowledge that will help execute leadership’s vision of how your organization will evolve. 

Reach out to us if you’d like to learn more about vCIOs and benefits of hiring a vCIO.