Virtual CIO – A virtual Chief Information Officer is often essential to a growing company. Part-time or full-time, they can build reliable budgets, plan for the future, research new directions and incorporate upcoming trends in information technology. Virtual CIOs build solid business cases for IT projects and effectively communicate needs to C-level executives and then translate them to directors of IT who implement the projects. Too often, businesses assume the director of IT is performing these tasks, when in reality, they are overburdened with the day to day duties of maintaining the network and user issues.

If the IT department is not operating efficiently, a virtual CIO will come in to take the reins, correct the issues, and create a lasting, positive and productive team culture. Once the correct team is in place, the virtual CIO can either step back into just the executive role or assist in finding a full time replacement that fits well with the company.