(Image removed)With technology driving much of today's business, it is crucial that businesses make the right short, medium and long term decisions. This role is usually fulfilled by a Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Many small and medium size businesses cannot afford to hire a dedicated CTO and opt to hire a virtual CTO instead. Sapien IT offer a virtual CTO service, below are some of the high level areas which are covered by this service:
Tactically strategic
At Sapien IT, we use the phrase "Tactically Strategic". What we mean by this is that you don't have to spend out on a whole strategy before seeing results. The method we employ is to decide on a high level strategy that can be implemented in small chunks. This brings a benefit in that you can quickly test to see if you are doing the right thing and be able to adjust your strategy as you go along. The end result is that you end up with IT that works for your business as it evolves and you don't have to commit to a big spend up front. This is also more commonly known as an "Agile" approach to IT rather than a Waterfall approach.
Focus on business goals, not products
A large percentage of customers on the first meeting, tell us what they want to implement Salesforce or some other system. What our customers don't tell us is what the business problem is that they are trying to solve.
For us, knowing the business problem is the underpinning for all technology decisions. As each decision or step is made, you can validate it against the business goal. This helps to keep everyone focussed and also ensure that if the business goals have changed, you can re-validate decisions and ensure that they are still meeting the existing or new goals.
Black hole
A lot of people view IT as a black hole, a money pit where you keep pouring money, however are not sure of the value it delivers or when the spending might stop. By combining an agile approach that stay's focussed on business goals, we can ensure that a high degree of visibility is given to the business on what is being done and why it's being done. This is an essential skill that a virtual CTO can bring to the table - ensuring that the right visibility, reporting, cost management and most importantly, business goals are being measured and reported on regularly.
Right people
Having the right people for the job is essential if you want success with your IT strategy. A virtual CTO can help you work out if your software suppliers are fit for purpose and value for money. We can also help you source suppliers if you don't already have them. We can vet proposals for you and present the information in an easily digestible format so that you can make an informed business decision. We avoid lengthy reports and favour to the point information which gives you everything you need to make a decision. Additionally, we can help source the right staff for your business whether they be permanent, contract, off-shore or part-time. We can help with interviews to make sure your money is being spent wisely.
Engagement
Sapien IT's virtual CTO service can be delivered in a couple of ways:
- Free IT consultation. This is where we will come and talk to you for free to understand your business and what you are looking to achieve.
- IT Audit. This is where we will look at your current IT setup and give you a view on how well it is working for your business.
You don’t need to be using any of our existing services to leverage our Virtual CTO service. To get started simply give us a call on 01223 852 872 where one of our friendly staff will be happy to take your call. Alternatively, use the contact us form on the website.