Digital transformation
Digital transformation is a means of using digital technologies to innovate operations, products, services and processes and improve employee and customer experience. Here you can read news, guides and tips on how to lead digital transformation efforts. Learn how blockchain, AI, automation technologies and other tech fits into transformation projects.
Top Stories
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Tip
19 Nov 2024
Best project portfolio management software and tools in 2025
Project portfolio management software and tools in 2025 promote strategic management of projects and agile tactics. Read our PPM list for guidance on which tools do what. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2024
5 principles of change management in networking
Network change management includes five principles, including risk analysis and peer review. These best practices can help network teams reduce failed network changes and outages. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 May 2018
What are the top RPA security risks and how do CIOs prevent them?
RPA security risks often take a back seat to the technology's promise of costs savings and reliability. HfS Research's Saurabh Gupta and KPMG's Martin Sokalski set the record straight. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 May 2018
Machine learning use case to ID unhappy employees
Telus International CIO Michael Ringman analyzes the machine learning use case he launched to curb high attrition rates in call centers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
Some types of artificial intelligence aren't ready for their close-up
Michael Ringman, CIO at TELUS International, has a unique vantage point on artificial intelligence and how the technologies under the AI umbrella are developing. He's helping build an artificial ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
The Wild Wild West of conversational design
Sociologist and conversation analyst Bob Moore and artist and UX designer Raphael Arar -- researchers at IBM Research -- are working at the forefront of an emerging field: Conversational UX design. ... Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2018
Cloud Foundry deployments boost customer experience, communication
IT pros from Comcast, American Airlines and Zipcar sound off on benefits of the software development platform at April's Cloud Foundry Summit in Boston. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2018
Cloud workload protection tool speeds cloud migration, saves time
Informatica deployed Aporeto's IT security tool to protect its cloud servers. It gained peace of mind -- and valuable time. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2018
Informatica enlists cloud workload protection platform for 'zero-trust' IT security
To secure its immense cloud operations, Informatica looks to a new tool, a cloud workload protection platform by Aporeto, with a deny-all approach to server access. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
IoT initiatives raise new complications for CIOs
As CIOs integrate IoT team projects, they must find a new balance between operational technology and IT -- a process that requires as much political savvy as tech expertise. Continue Reading
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News
27 Apr 2018
Gartner on blockchain: Questions to ask and lots of caveats
It's immature, misunderstood, untested in the enterprise, risk-laden -- and needs to be on the CIO agenda. Gartner's Nick Heudecker frames the blockchain questions you should be asking. Continue Reading
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Podcast
27 Apr 2018
'Virtual humans' pick up on social cues
Carnegie Mellon University's Justine Cassell talks about her efforts to turn software into 'virtual humans.' Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2018
How to make AI agents better conversationalists: Context is key
IBM's Bob Moore and Raphael Arar are committed to designing AI agents that actually understand -- and retain -- context. The aim? To make AI exchanges more like conversations. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Apr 2018
Is the future of robotic process automation intelligent?
Intelligent process automation may eventually supplant traditional robotic process automation as AI propels the technology away from automating rote tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2018
Conversational UX design: What it is and who's paving the way
Two researchers at IBM aim to make AI systems converse more like humans. Here, they discuss the emerging field of conversational UX design and the expertise that goes into it. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Apr 2018
Cloud computing optimization: A CIO's perspective
Optimizing cloud means having a solid strategy in place, evaluating the services in use and ensuring the business is served, according to CyrusOne CIO Blake Hankins. Continue Reading
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News
23 Apr 2018
Workplace 'mindfulness' as coping mechanism for AI disruption
Two tech titans investing in the AI tools that automate jobs are also sinking money into workplace mindfulness programs aimed at helping employees become better at being human. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Will the next act in the ongoing evolution of IT be its last?
The evolution of IT keeps on keeping on -- for now. But as technology becomes more integral to the business, the IT department may become extinct. MIT's Joe Peppard explains. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Digital factory strategy needed to support omnipresent IT
Digital factories, framed as a business process re-engineering strategy for our tech-centric economy, reflect how the IT function continues to evolve to meet business demands. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
MIT Sloan: Finding your digital business model
Companies may understand the threats and opportunities a digital economy presents, but research from MIT Sloan suggests many don't have a clear sense of how to make digital revenue. Continue Reading
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News
20 Apr 2018
Four digital business models and the capabilities they demand
Research scientist Stephanie Woerner expounds on the digital business models companies are using to compete in the digital economy and the capabilities required to succeed. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2018
Fostering human-machine collaboration is a CIO's job
Uncover why human-machine collaboration was singled out in a Forrester Research report that says it's time for enterprises to embrace AI in the workplace -- and IT has a special role to play. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2018
At Accenture, benefits of public cloud are business benefits
In this Q&A, infrastructure chief Merim Becirovic reports on the consulting company's cloud journey, discusses new technologies cloud will make possible and offers some getting-started advice. Continue Reading
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News
17 Apr 2018
Bold cloud computing plan puts Accenture on fast track
Three years ago, the consulting company aimed to go from 10% in the public cloud to 90%. How's it faring? Infrastructure chief Merim Becirovic tells in this interview. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2018
How CIOs can support black box testing techniques
Ben Clark, Wayfair's chief architect, offers advice to CIOs on how to knowledgeably support AI endeavors in the enterprise, including the use of black box testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
CIOs won't own enterprise machine learning -- they'll enable it
How can CIOs support an enterprise machine learning initiative? They can start by building a data lake. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2018
Onus is on CIOs to address limitations of artificial intelligence
Recognizing the limitations of artificial intelligence is step No. 1 for CIOs aiming to reap its benefits, according to AI luminaries at the recent EmTech Digital conference. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Apr 2018
Security debt: Why you should pay attention
Akamai's Dave Lewis -- a speaker at the upcoming RSA Conference 2018 -- discusses how organizations build security debt over time and its potential risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2018
How to measure usability when selecting an RPA tool
If an RPA tool isn't user-friendly and isn't built for the long term, chances are the dividends won't be immediate. Read this before choosing your RPA tools. Continue Reading
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News
13 Apr 2018
Twitterverse debates necessity of chief transformation officer role
IT pros on Twitter have questions about the chief transformation officer role. For starters: Isn't that role already filled by other C-level execs? Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2018
Enterprise digitization's secret ingredient: Fusion teams
Cross-functional or 'fusion' teams are critical to meeting fast-changing digital challenges. Here are the four must-have team attributes for successful enterprise digitization. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2018
CIOs dissect what makes their artificial intelligence projects tick
AI has been described as the ultimate disruptor. These three IT leaders are prepping for the shake-up with artificial intelligence projects designed to harness that potential. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2018
Readying your IT shop for RPA software
IT's role in an RPA implementation varies depending on the scope of the project and the company's enterprise architecture. Here's how Fannie Mae, Duke Energy and Abbyy handle RPA. Continue Reading
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News
06 Apr 2018
Voice computing goes to work with Microsoft Teams addition of Cortana
Microsoft is integrating Cortana into its Teams collaboration platform. Will it be the baby step voice computing needs to gain traction in the enterprise? The jury is out. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Apr 2018
Data, the cloud and its impact on the job of CIO
Cloud computing has made it so easy to create data and move into and out of business, according to one tech vendor exec, it's changed the focus of the job of CIO. Continue Reading
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News
02 Apr 2018
Airbnb incorporates tech to help build digital trust in data economy
Automated bots have made it difficult to determine whether someone online is real, but Airbnb is turning to tech to help build digital trust among its customers. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Deep neural networks, speed limit signs and training on the fly
Because of data and compute power requirements, training a deep learning algorithm doesn't typically happen on so-called edge devices such as smartphones or drones. But Neurala Inc., a deep ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Mar 2018
Vendor briefing on standardizing processes for RPA services
Robotic process automation (RPA) services promise eye-popping returns on investment. Here, a veteran business process improvement expert talks about his experiences in preparing Fortune 100 ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Serverless computing architecture won't kill containers
As a way of building applications, serverless computing architecture is gaining in popularity. But it won't replace containers or any other development method, Red Hat's Rich Sharples says. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
Artificial intelligence strategies tackle 'reasonable goals' -- not moonshots
The Gartner Data & Analytics Summit I've been writing about recently was filled with prescriptive advice for data analytics leaders. Much of that advice, unsurprisingly, was focused on the ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Mar 2018
AI voice assistants won't just book your meetings, they'll partake in them
Imagine asking Cortana about your revenue last quarter. That could be the future, according to Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular. At the Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, Sicular discussed some of ... Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Serverless computing model puts the developer in the driver's seat
The application design method is all the rage in IT circles. A former developer sounds off on what it's good for -- and what it isn't. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Mar 2018
Savvy reasons not to use public cloud platforms
Going to the cloud could lead to business benefits aplenty. Yet, for some, sticking to terra firma may be the solid choice. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Machine learning use cases, touch-text-talk on Box CIO's to-do list
Intuitive interfaces, automating menial work so people can focus on big ideas, finding AI and machine learning use cases -- Box CIO Paul Chapman's to-do list is awesome. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Box CIO talks IT innovation and pressures in an 'all-cloud' environment
Box CIO Paul Chapman discusses the demands of running IT at a company that was 'born digital' and why an 'all-cloud' environment doesn't preclude having to manage legacy IT. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Mar 2018
Digital transformation for insurance: Idaho firm opts for HCI
An Idaho-based property and casualty insurance company has swapped out its VMware infrastructure and separate storage systems for hyper-converged hardware from Scale Computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2018
Rapid prototyping process brings technology to life
Carnegie Mellon University's Chris Harrison and his team are developing the user interfaces of the future. He explains why a rapid prototyping process is critical to building technology that changes lives. Continue Reading
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Podcast
29 Mar 2018
Artificial intelligence and machine learning forge path to a better UI
Carnegie Mellon University's Chris Harrison talks about the future of the user interface in this episode of 'Schooled in AI.' Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Mar 2018
Today's great cloud challenge: The hybrid IT puzzle
Companies are still in an early phase of a big cloud challenge: managing a mishmash of public and private cloud systems and data centers. And they may have to wait on vendors to help tackle it. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2018
Intel debuts new nGraph compiler for neural networks models
Built on open source software, Intel's new nGraph DNN compiler takes aim at Nvidia's advantage by making it easier to run neural networks on different kinds of hardware. Continue Reading
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Opinion
29 Mar 2018
What technical challenges face voice AI technology? There are many
Conversational AI will change enterprise communications -- eventually. In the meantime, Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular details the areas where voice AI technology needs to grow. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Conversational AI: Start by enlisting the big vendors
It's time to develop a conversational AI strategy, according to Gartner analyst Svetlana Sicular. Her advice: Stay focused on the business case and lean on the AI platform vendors. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
Machine learning algorithms: New tool for fighting cyberthreats?
As hackers use increasingly sophisticated tech to tap into corporate data, machine learning platforms can help companies fight fire with fire by detecting cyberthreats early on. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2018
Voxbone tech chief: Customer service is the new job of CIO
The job of CIO is changing all right, and cloud computing is hastening that transition. Today, IT leaders are using cloud to solve old problems -- and form new bonds with the business. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2018
How cloud is changing the role of the CIO today
Cloud has had a colossal impact on IT -- for starters, it's changed how it works and what it can pull off. And its effect on the role of the CIO today is no less transformational. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2018
Biometric security technology readies for corporate prime time
Companies are turning to biometric security technology to improve user authentication and experience, but its use presents unique challenges that could slow enterprise adoption. Continue Reading
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News
21 Mar 2018
Daniel Pink: How the science of timing can boost productivity
At the recent Gartner Data and Analytics Summit, best-selling author Daniel Pink urged digital leaders to follow the science of timing -- and spread the word. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2018
Natural-language processing technology boosts BI at Penn Medicine
Natural-language processing technology lets Penn Medicine tap unstructured data, improving its analytics and patient care. Success required a multidisciplinary effort. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
Who needs a tech futurist? In today's world, you do
A Chicago consulting outfit hires a tech futurist to help clients prepare for the fast-coming next waves of technology. But looking at the future to prepare today isn't just for consultants. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
Security best practices to guide your digital transformation journey
With more companies embarking on a digital transformation journey, enterprise data is being spread across devices, systems and even in the cloud. As a result, focusing security efforts on ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
05 Mar 2018
Eying lower costs of cloud computing, Informatica to curb overbuying resources
Overprovisioning pushes up the costs of cloud computing. But stopping the practice completely would result in damage of a different sort. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2018
Gartner: Machine learning platforms are in demand, market is in flux
The market for data science and machine learning platforms is in flux. According to a new report by the research outfit Gartner, the more established players are being usurped by nimble players ... Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
Digital labor transforms IT, but not without careful prep
Robotic process automation can replace humans with software bots that are always on and always right, says believer Gerson Benker, but be prepared for major organizational change. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
Deep learning projects: Cloud-based AI or dedicated hardware?
Are deep learning projects part of your AI agenda this year? Here's how to evaluate the tradeoffs between using cloud-based AI infrastructure versus dedicated hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
For IT chief, the goal is to deliver business value
Waste Industries' Hubert Barkley discusses the CIO role and tech projects that increase efficiency in this Q&A. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2018
At Waste Industries, digital transformation initiatives rooted in trust
Getting the business to buy the notion of business-enabling technology comes before big, flashy wins, IT chief Hubert Barkley says in this interview. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Feb 2018
What is 'ground truth' in AI and deep learning?
'Ground truth' is the bedrock of AI and deep learning. Carnegie Mellon professor Tom Mitchell explains the term and its significance with an example from healthcare. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2018
Survey: Customer service chatbots aren't crowd-pleasers -- yet
A recent survey by Chatbots.org found that less than half of consumers find chatbots effective. What does that mean for CIOs trying to integrate the technology? Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Feb 2018
Needed for a future near you: More precise, efficient IT
Pundits have said it: Building a more efficient IT is crucial against a backdrop of digital rivals. One IT leader is working hard at it. Here's to following his lead. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2018
How to create the best RPA architecture
Enterprises are embracing robotic process automation to automate rules-based, repetitive tasks in a cost-efficient manner. ROI depends on having the right RPA architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2018
What do the new AI chips mean for CIOs? Homework, for starters
New AI chips promise to put deep learning initiatives in better reach of enterprises. But they aren't applicable to all AI projects and, in some cases, are inferior to CPUs and GPUs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Feb 2018
AI in the enterprise: A framework for success
Developing an AI use case that lays out what the project will cost, the value it will provide and the potential risks it will bring can be a head scratcher for CIOs. AI in the enterprise is ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2018
Gartner's AI 'value chain' offers schema for assessing an AI project
Analyst Bern Elliot encourages CIOs to approach AI the way a financial advisor approaches an investment portfolio -- with a mix of high-risk and low-risk projects. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2018
Cloud, app dev highlight IT budget management priorities for 2018
TechTarget's exclusive 2018 IT Priorities survey sheds some light on IT budget management plans for the data center, cloud projects and hybrid technologies. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2018
Digital transformation plan: RPA and BPMS tools, better together
A sound digital transformation plan gives companies the ability to change quickly. Business process management suites and robotic process automation -- used together -- do that. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2018
Deep learning algorithms power startup's beauty database
Deep learning algorithms are changing how we drive cars and navigate outer space. What about saving our skin? Silicon Valley startup Proven Beauty has a plan. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Feb 2018
Understanding of cloud computing ERP clearing -- but still foggy
Companies drawn to the centralizing simplicity of cloud computing ERP need to fully grasp the characteristics that make it different from on-premises software, according to the Cloud Security Alliance. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2018
Cloud ERP systems present 'business-critical' security challenges
Where does the data live? Who -- the provider or the customer -- is responsible for securing what? They're vital questions to ask when mulling a cloud move, a new report posits. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Feb 2018
Software robot tech arrives: Are CIOs ready?
RPA technology is coming of age and becoming a strategic play in the public and private sectors. The task for CIOs is to make sure deployments are enterprise-grade. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2018
Red Hat CIO talks open hybrid cloud, next-generation IT
Deploying his company's open hybrid cloud product, preparing for next-generation IT, building an 'inclusive meritocracy' -- Red Hat CIO Mike Kelly talks turkey with SearchCIO. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2018
Blockchain implementation: Connecting the missing DLT links
Blockchain implementation is helping streamline governance processes, but a few questions must be answered first to take full advantage of distributed ledger technology. Continue Reading
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News
07 Feb 2018
Study: CIO and CTO execs, procurement pros ID common pain points
An Insight Enterprises survey of CIO and CTO executives and procurement professionals finds agreement between IT and business operations on typical technology pain points. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Feb 2018
Cloud computing ecosystem: Greater than the sum of its parts
The cloud affords companies the freedom to try new things fast. But they also risk "totally losing control," says analyst Liz Herbert. A cloud computing ecosystem imposes a sense of order. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2018
Critical elements CIOs need to build an AI team
Top-notch recruiters, organizational structures that engender trust, and attention to ethics are key to ensuring your AI team succeeds. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jan 2018
Cloud computing interoperability, portability key to multi-cloud unity
Companies struggling with multiple cloud services need to strive for cloud computing interoperability and portability, the Cloud Standards Customer Council says. First up – define the terms. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jan 2018
The race to marry AI and cloud computing is on
Amazon, Microsoft and Google are in a race to ally AI and cloud computing by incorporating deep learning, machine learning and other AI functionality into their product offerings, giving developers ... Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2018
Among AI use cases that matter to CIOs, ITSM ranks high
AI use cases for your ITSM program abound, but early adopters caution that vendor offerings are immature and will require hands-on testing for best results. Continue Reading
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News
31 Jan 2018
CIOs need an AI infrastructure, but it won't come easy
From picking vendors to upskilling staff, folding an AI infrastructure into enterprise architectures isn't simple. Experts at the recent ReWork Deep Learning Summit zero in on the issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2018
Architecture firm taps AEC technology to drive digital strategy
Arcadis CIO Justin Wright's pioneering use of architecture, construction and engineering technology brings buildings to life -- and the firm's digital strategy up to speed. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Jan 2018
Digital epidemiology takes on the flu with help from you
John Brownstein, chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital and a professor of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School, is a notable digital epidemiology researcher. It's a ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Jan 2018
Not all types of artificial intelligence are created equal
Among the many types of artificial intelligence, unsupervised machine learning will test our capacity to trust machines. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2018
Prepare now for an AI-assisted ITSM strategy
What does it mean to have an AI-assisted ITSM strategy? Pink Elephant's Jennifer Wels outlines seven areas where AI can be applied to ITSM. Continue Reading
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Podcast
23 Jan 2018
Trying to wrap your brain around AI? CMU has an AI stack for that
In this episode of 'Schooled in AI,' Andrew Moore, dean of the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, talks about the benefits of the AI stack. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2018
Some may not know it, but companies want CIOs with cloud expertise
Organizations know what benefits cloud computing can bring -- and they're seeking out IT leaders with cloud expertise to make them a reality. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2018
'Patient journey' propels hospital's digital transformation
The chief innovation officer at Boston Children's Hospital explains how digital technologies are changing the 'patient journey' for the better. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2018
CES 2018 for CIOs: Rise of the AI voice assistant class
What happens in Vegas doesn't stay there -- not at CES 2018, where AI voice assistants and sentient objects were ubiquitous and the crossover to workforces was obvious. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Jan 2018
CIO plans for AI projects in 2018 push the envelope
SearchCIO interviews with leading IT executives suggest continued strong investment in AI projects -- and an important role for CIOs in developing an enterprise-wide AI strategy. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Sep 2017
How GE digital transformation won over the sales force
A major part of the GE digital transformation is getting its 25,000 salespeople on board as it rethinks its vast commercial sales function. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2017
Why EA should take the lead on improving customer experience
The business shift to digital goods and services gives IT a critical role in improving the customer experience. Here's why CIOs are assigning enterprise architecture the job. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Sep 2017
Reshape the role of the PMO for the digital era
The project management office needs a new mandate to be a player in digital transformation. Matt McWha offers advice on how to rethink the role of the PMO. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2017
Get a grip on evaluating cloud management platforms
Software for managing multicloud computing environments can help companies tame the tumult. An industry expert gives tips on how to assess products. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
31 Jul 2017
Out of many, one hybrid cloud management platform
A hybrid cloud management platform must mix well with business systems, give financial guidance and make security a priority, industry experts say. Continue Reading