Chief Information Officer

The Chief Information Officer ( CIO ) or IT manager ( = Head of Information Technology ) generally increases in a company which is responsible for strategic and operational management of information technology (IT ) is true.

Profile

In the German -speaking area there are several alternative names. Especially in smaller organizations can be found instead of the CIO, the terms " head of information technology ", " Head of IT " or " IT Manager ". In stock corporations, the term " CIO " is used alternatively, if the CIO is located at board level.

A general definition of the role profile " Chief Information Officer " does not exist. A CIO is responsible in particular for the management of the three IT tasks

• "Business and IT Vision" ( planning),
• "Design of IT Architecture" (technology selection together with the IT architects (often also called CTO) ),
• " Delivery of IT Services" (operation).

He must also establish a framework of values ​​and goals of the IT function within the company and build a strong relationship between IT and business strategy. His goal should be to work towards a jointly supported by management IT strategy.

Responsibilities of a CIO

"Run The Business" ( Operational functions)

The basic tasks of IT managers: Ensuring the smooth operation of the IT system and the support of the IT infrastructure. Due to the high dependence and the influence of IT on all other divisions to ensure the functioning of the IT system is to be regarded in the company as a fundamental task. This includes also that the IT system user requirements are met in terms of quality, service and availability. The CIO needs to coordinate and manage, to improve operational processes and service processes the use of the technology capacities. He is also responsible for promoting the flow of information across the enterprise, and the relationship, the data sharing within the company. At the same time, but also to ensure the privacy of every individual is important. In general, the security of the entire IT system must be guaranteed at a high level. He is therefore responsible to provide reliable and secure information technology system to enable efficient operation of the business is possible. This is particularly important to build trust in the IT and create transparency. All this must be at a reasonable cost provided by the IT department. The first task area is available, along the lines "run the business". Also, according to Rainer Janssen, CIO of Munich Re: " The basic expectation is only once that the store is running. "

"Change The Business" (Innovation Management)

The CIO needs to show the possibilities of modern ICT for the company and constantly driving innovation, so that the existing improvement potential can be tapped. To this end, he must observe the latest developments of potentially relevant technological innovations, and then assess their importance for the company. He must then provide the impetus for new technology projects. It is also the task of the IT manager to find the right timing for the introduction of technical innovations. All this must be specifically adapted to their own company back, so technological innovation can also be used really add value. Then, the correct use of new technologies must be supported and monitored. He has new, value -generating for the company integrate technologies consistent with the existing portfolio of companies.

" Engineer The Business" ( business efficiency and strategic consulting)

The IT Manager is responsible for the efficient management of the company. He analyzed on the basis of various IT opportunities for the company. For example, the value of individual areas or processes are determined in the company or the potential value growth through new opportunities. Thus, a contribution to " make or buy" - Questions will be delivered. For a CIO needs the structures and relationships within the company know well. He thus has a consultative role for the management. For this he needed extensive understanding of the current market trends. It identifies opportunities for competitive differentiation, so future business for the company can be determined. The existing sales and distribution channels can be revised if necessary new or develop new ones. This allows it to show future technology directions and priorities that are important for the betterment of the company. The development and adaptation of IT strategies must each be completed in accordance with the company's strategy, and it is also possible that develop business strategies only on the basis of new ICT potential or can be refined subsequently. The necessary strategies, information, experiences, methods and IT support must be made ​​available for the implementation in their respective areas.

" Federal CIO"

The Commissioner of the German Federal Government for Information Technology, CIO Federation also used in its Internet address also the abbreviation CIO. The function is settled as State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of the Interior; Incumbent is the lawyer Cornelia Rogall - Grothe.