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First-Class Upgrade

By Gary Anthes

May 12, 2003 12:00 PM ET

Computerworld - Paul A. Strassmann, an IT management consultant and Computerworld columnist who has served as the CIO at several large companies and federal agencies, says there are three kinds of CIOs, and if you want to be well respected, you should strive for the top category.
The "technology CIO" is on the lowest rung of the ladder and controls 3% or less of the company's total budget -- basically direct spending for IT people and gear, he says. Next comes the "information resources CIO," who controls not only technology spending but also spending on information resources generally, perhaps 30% of the budget. At the top sits the "information strategy CIO," who ultimately has some influence over 100% of the budget.
"When you are a technology CIO everybody hates you, because when the e-mail goes down, it's your fault," Strassmann explains. "If you want to be appreciated, you have to get an upgrade."


Paul A. Strassmann, an IT management consultant and Computerworld columnist

To move ahead, Strassmann offers this advice: "Pull up your socks and get going. Stop grousing and make a contribution. My grandfather told me that -- you either pull up your socks or you die."

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