Wireless, Real Time And Online

In the year ahead, marketplace dynamics will drive the agenda for CIOs more than ever. Over the past decade, many CIOs have necessarily been focused on infrastructure matters, such as Y2K, security, systems renewal and Internet assimilation. The best IT organizations have developed up-to-date competencies around such initiatives and conduct them successfully as a matter of routine.

Now, CIOs must help their companies be more competitive in a world that is wireless, real time and online. Market agility is essential in today's environment, and CIOs must be the champions who identify and institutionalize technologies and information management practices that give their companies a competitive edge. Some areas of focus will likely include integrated wireless communications, robust data management and contact centers. Keep an eye on the competition, but more important, look to your customers for guidance on where to invest your time and IT resources.