Forty-two percent of CIOs suffered budget decreases in the first quarter of 2009, and IT shops on average slashed budgets by 4.7%, according to new research published by Gartner.
As the recession rolls on, there's no question that budgets will be further scrutinized. As a CIO it's time -- if you haven't done so already -- to get your hands dirty. Translation: CIOs need to look harder than ever at the IT budget before it hits the CFO's desk.
As the economic crisis continues, technology leaders are faced with the challenge of considering how best to trim the fat out of their budgets. While some steps are obvious and necessary, others can be like a diet you've been cheating on -- you know what you should be doing, but you don't always follow through. Here are 10 ways CIOs are doing more with less in tough economic times:
Start by ferreting out those "noncore expenses" -- what lies beneath overhead costs (think telecom costs or travel.) Cuts here could trim your overall budget by up to 10 percent.
Where Google Chrome security fails: the password I heard mention that the Chrome OS will have some sort of encryption available a la bitlocker. If it's possible to encrypt personal data using another password or key, then it may have potential for very secure data.... And Ubuntu has an 'encrypt home directory' option, perhaps google should follow suit.
- Dann
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Quick, practical advice for IT pros. Made fresh daily.
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