As technology rapidly evolves, it is always a good idea to have a tech guru on your team. These individuals can create, analyze, and maintain systems and processes that keep your business on the path to success. However, for many small businesses, the cost of a Chief Information Officer may sometimes be too expensive for their budget and overall needs. That’s where a vCIO comes in, or a Virtual Chief Information Officer.
What is a vCIO?
A vCIO provides your business with the experience and knowledge of a Chief Information Officer for a lesser expense than hiring one full time. vCIO’s, like any Chief Information Officer, can leverage technology expertise and business management to create measurable results and prepare for the future. vCIO’s are typically offered as a business service through an IT partner and can work directly with your in-house leadership team.
What Does a vCIO Do?
Once fully onboarded and familiar with your company, vCIO’s will take a closer look at your IT department and determine areas of opportunity within processes, systems, and security. A vCIO can also use their deep understanding of technology to decide which tech pieces to implement into your business to best achieve your goals and increase productivity. Even if your company already has an IT department, that group is primarily focused on systems already in place. A vCIO can strategize and prioritize the implementation of additional beneficial technology.
A vCIO, through their technical awareness and analytical responsibilities, can influence all facets of the business to streamline communication, increase value, and promote employee and customer loyalty. Another vital aspect of the vCIO’s job is keeping an eye on the horizon and helping the business prepare for what lies ahead. One of the significant advantages of a vCIO is that the role can provide insight into the adjustments needed and ensure that these changes are implemented adequately and efficiently.
The Cost-Effectiveness of a vCIO
Businesses bring on vCIO’s for many reasons, but one of the most important reasons is the amount of money that can be saved. A vCIO allows your business to use a CIO’s expertise as little or as much as necessary, cutting costs significantly compared to hiring a CIO full-time. Your vCIO will ensure that you're not over-spending on your IT or technical processes and can assist in budget planning for these specific needs - saving you money in the short term as well as the long term. Your vCIO can also work to protect your business from virtual security risks (which can be extremely expensive to correct) saving you time and money in damage-control efforts.
The right vCIO will offer a wide variety of benefits at a price point that works for your business. Adding a vCIO to your team can give you a leg up on your competition while increasing your customer and employee retention, technological advancements, and strategy for your future business goals.
To learn more about your options when it comes to vCIO services or other IT consulting, contact us or any trusted IT professional today.