Companies around the world have CIOs and CTOs that do just about whatever they want. They’re just happy to have a C in their title. But there is a real difference in the jobs. And understanding it can make life a lot simpler for everyone involved.
What is the difference? Why even need different offices for Information and Technology? A CTO creates technology to sell to customers whereas a CIO focuses on managing infrastructure for the business operations. It’s that simple.
Depending on the industry, or organization, these offices consist of different responsibilities. But generally a CIO is responsible for technologies that run a business internally while a CTO is responsible for technologies that grow the business externally.
Here a quick breakdown :
Chief Information Officer
- Serves as the company’s top technology infrastructure manager
- Runs the organization’s internal IT Operations
- Works to streamline business processes with technology
- Focuses on internal customers (users and business units)
- Collaborates and manages vendors that supply infrastructure solutions
- Aligns the company’s IT Infrastructure with business priorities
- Developers strategies to increase the company’s bottom line (profitability)
- Has to be a skilled and organized manager to be successful
Chief Technology Officer
- Serves as the company’s top technology architect
- Runs the organization’s engineering group
- Uses technology to enhance the company’s product offerings
- Focuses on external customers (buyers)
- Collaborates and manages vendors that supply solutions to enhance the company’s product(s)
- Aligns the company’s product architecture with business priorities
- Develops strategies to increase the company’s top line (revenue)
- Has to be a creative and innovative technologist to be successful
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