CIOs have been involved with far more requirements since the pandemic triggered the pace of Digital Transformation . The environment in which they function has evolved with the constant pressure to digitise and achieve it with limited budgets and resources . In today ’ s world an ideal CIO is as much a true leader as well as a technologist where they organise and use resources effectively to get the best out of Digital Transformation .

With an increasing number of organisations moving towards their Digital Transformation goals , the future of cloud computing is in the spotlight . However , this also poses challenges that CIOs encounter . One of the biggest challenges is network security and compliance . Additionally , cost optimisation with limited budgets can prove to be a burden especially at a time when business requirements are changing and implementing advanced technologies means additional costs . And lack of the appropriate skills and expertise can pose a huge challenge to CIOs .

One of the key ingredients while drawing up a Digital Transformation strategy is having a clear vision of an organisations ’ transformation journey and what they want to achieve . Not having this in place can prove to bring in stumbling blocks along the way . Digital Transformation is all about collecting and analysing data that can be leveraged to provide value to the customer across all aspects of business operations . Should this data be collected and used ineffectively , it can have severe consequences on the Digital Transformation strategies . Focusing on security as an afterthought can prove to be dire for the business . This is even more relevant in the current day scenario .

The last 18 months have definitely accelerated the way Digital Transformation is being pursued by organisations of all sizes and across all industries . It has given rise to a greater focus on both network as well as cybersecurity alongside cloud migration . So , while there is a race to adopt technology that enables smooth remote working conditions , it also brings to the forefront the need for the right skillset acquisitions to ensure that these technologies are implemented cost effectively and bring about a major shift in the way businesses operate for future success .

Digital Transformation is all about collecting and analysing data that can be leveraged to provide value to the customer across all aspects of business operations .

The last few months have given us a deep understanding of how organisations can work without any geographical boundaries . It has also thrown up a need for companies to take note of the fact that there are many functions that cannot be done in-house , while some others are best managed by service providers . This is thrown up a sizeable number of opportunities for us at Cloud Box Technologies and has strengthened our need to build on the right partnerships , focus on acquisitions and joint ventures and leverage opensource to deliver the right Digital Transformation solutions to our clients . Our goals over the next year will continue to revolve around our need to innovate and build on our professional and experienced teams who will be able to help our customers in their digital journeys .

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Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 77 | Page 33