Posts by Tom Call

CEOs count on their technology leaders to improve productivity, drive growth, and facilitate marketing and sales initiatives. At the same time, they also have to be aware of costs, and keep spending as lean as possible. The costs of the cloud are one primary area where CTOs and CIOs can cut the fat. In fact, tech leaders often waste money on cloud services that would be better spent on other mission-critical projects. Overspending on the…  MORE

Every CIO has to consider others players in their category when formulating technical strategies. But they must also grapple with risks presented by outages, supply chain issues, cyber attacks, and the unpredictability of today’s global business climate. These forces can affect the bottom line as much as any competitor. This is why tech leaders are increasingly focusing on identifying and mitigating risks. And in the process, they’re proving that resilience efforts can deliver measurable ROI….  MORE

When it comes to launching new technology, ROI is always the ultimate measuring stick. That’s especially true with AI initiatives, which carry a special sense of urgency. The question is, when is it realistic to know if the investment paid off? Despite the promise that AI will automatically deliver positive results, it’s common for companies to be challenged to locate ROI after launch. In our experience, tech leaders would be wise to not expect those…  MORE

Technology is a double-edged sword. While enterprises always need the latest applications and software to boost sales, efficiency, and brand reach, those tools eventually become obsolete – and in turn, prevent further growth. The key is to recognize the indicators for updating your tech, which is essential for taking advantage of the latest innovations and business opportunities. One signal is when you notice an unusual amount of technical debt. But instead of perceiving this as…  MORE

Leaders always focus on the success and growth of their organizations. Vendors are there to help with those endeavors. But what happens if a partner, like your IT provider, all of a sudden shuts its doors? Perhaps there’s been a bankruptcy or dissolution process. Just like that, you’re scrambling to find a replacement that’s essential to daily operations. Dealing with this unfortunate scenario requires the same thinking you apply to internal what-ifs, such as security…  MORE

In 1947, America’s first self-service gas station opened in Los Angeles. The concept of customers doing it themselves has come a long way since then, as we have all experienced with grocery stores, banking, and other types of business-to-consumer interactions. But self-service is no longer strictly reserved for the general public. Take self-service IT. Self-service IT solutions are precisely what the label implies: employees can resolve IT issues on their own rather than involving IT…  MORE

In the 21st century, retailers are constantly adapting to new market conditions by implementing ever-innovative technology. One primary – and very recent – example is how brands are adjusting to the rise of the “deskless” employee. Deskless workers are just that – they spend most of their time on their feet, interacting with customers and products. And retailers are counting on them more this year, as we continue to see a post-pandemic increase of in-store…  MORE

When it comes to technology, success isn’t strictly determined by the products you create or the services you offer. Competitive advantage, and the profits that come with it, often stems from the strength of your business partnerships. But developing a valuable alliance requires more than a handshake over coffee. Many estimates show that nearly 70% of strategic partnerships end in failure. That’s due to unrealistic expectations, misaligned objectives, and lack of precise communication. Don’t let that…  MORE