Risks for CIOs in 2009

In a recent question on LinkedIn as regards risks posed in 2009 for CIOs and CEOs, an answer I provided was

"The reduced budgets available to companies with the ever present demand to remain visible will mean greater investment in non traditional advertising routes like social networking. Companies who will enjoy a viral following of their brand, through advertising in this space, will enjoy an advantage over others.

Cloud computing and SAAS will pick up more steam and laggards in this space will find it difficult to play catch up.

Longer sales cycles / budget cuts will mean a greater need for individuals to "multi task" in a reducing pool of resources. The needs for training will be felt and companies who do not set aside such a budget to make the transition smooth, will risk distracting themselves from their core business. "

This set me thinking ... there are a lot of people out there getting into a shell. This is not the time for it. This is a time for positive action. The world we knew has changed and the downturn is a natural restructuring we are undergoing. The corporate landscape will change. We better be prepared for it - individually and collectively.

As families we need to connect. As businesses we need to connect. We have to pool together more than ever before. Redundant waste in terms of reinventing the wheel on processes, projects and products - cannot be afforded anymore. Major companies who are going bankrupt - it is a sign of the times. The world can only afford a few of the mega corporations of before. The Netflixes of the world along with Ebay, Amazon, Salesforce, OpenAir and others have taught the world a new way to work.

So - what is the new landscape - exactly what we are now heading towards within business and family in technological terms - share the network - Cloud Computing, SAAS and Social Networking are the new ways we need to engage. Do not shun away from investments in this area ... embrace the new way and you will emerge stronger for it.