The role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) is rapidly evolving, and many companies are now looking to bring on a fractional CIO to help manage their IT needs. If your business is growing and you find yourself in need of additional IT help, you may be wondering if it's time to bring in a fractional CIO.
What is a Fractional CIO?
Fractional CIOs can provide part-time or project-based support for your IT department, which is beneficial for businesses that are in the early stages of growth and don't have the need for a full-time CIO.
They can also help businesses that are struggling with IT issues and need someone to help get their systems back on track, or who have just completed a merger or acquisition and lack leadership in that area. Fractional CIOs can provide strategic guidance, manage projects, and oversee day-to-day operations.
Why Bring in a Fractional CIO?
If you are a small or medium-sized company with limited resources, bringing in a fractional CIO
can be a great way to get the benefits of a CIO without the cost. A fractional CIO can help you develop a long-term IT plan, assess and improve your IT infrastructure, and make sure your systems are running efficiently.
- You don't have the time or resources to hire a full-time CIO.
- Your business is growing or evolving and you need more help managing your IT.
- You need management or specialized leadership for specific IT projects or tasks.
- You're not sure if you should invest in new IT systems or technologies.
- You're finding it difficult to keep up with your IT department on your own.
Bear in mind that a fractional CIO isn’t the same as outsourced IT support. A fractional CIO will be focused on guiding the overall IT strategy of the company and providing leadership and direction to the IT department as a whole. An outsourced IT team, in contrast, provides assistance with day-to-day IT support, and/or resources for specific projects.
When Is the Right Time to Bring in a Fractional CIO?
There are a few factors to consider when making this decision. First, you need to assess your current IT needs and determine if they are manageable with your current staff. If your IT roadmap is in need of an overhaul but you aren’t sure what to plan for the future, then it may be time to bring in a fractional CIO.
Another important factor to consider is your budget. An investment in a fractional CIO can be worth the outlay given the long-term value their expertise can bring to the company.
If you are considering hiring a fractional CIO, it's important to find someone with the right skills and experience. When interviewing candidates, be sure to ask about their experience and what they can bring to your company. It is important to find someone who has the same values and goals as your business and who can hit the ground running.
You want to find a candidate who has experience working with businesses of all sizes so they can help you get up and running quickly and without any disruption to your day-to-day operations.
If you think a fractional CIO may be a good fit for the needs of your company, or if you want to explore the idea further, NB Business Solutions can help answer any questions you may have. We want to help your organization ensure alignment of technology and your business strategy while anticipating the changing needs of the future.