| | June 20169CIOReviewDefining Competitive EdgeIf implemented properly, I think that CRM can still provide a major push towards improving an organization's competitive position. While not a newer technology, I still believe that business analytics can provide organizations with better information and help them make bet-ter decisions which in turn can provide them a better position. Role of IoT and VirtualizationWith many of the structures managed by Xanterra being historic, I believe that the role of IOT and virtualization could potentially grow greatly within the Xanterra technology environment and be-come even larger parts of our larger IT strategic plan. Virtualiza-tion is already a key part of our business strategy but has primar-ily been focused within our corporate data center and large scale operations. With the extremely limited spaces which exist for technology infrastructure at our smaller locations and with lim-its on connectivity and key supporting infrastructure like reliable power and cooling, I believe that the usage of virtual environment will continue to grow and expand into these smaller operations to help provide redundant services and help reduce the physical footprint and power/cooling requirements needed to support this technology. I believe that IoT could really start to play a bigger role within our facilities to help better management these facilities and report issues in a more automated way.IT's Role in GeneralOver the past few years, IT's role in general (and my role specifically) continues to evolve from being simply an imple-menter of business initiatives to more of a trusted consultant on how technology can better support the busi-ness needs. While we still have to "keep the lights on" from an IT perspective, the business leaders are more de-pendent on us that ever to help them determine what initia-tives are needed and how technology can be better leveraged within their operations. I feel this transition is well under-way and will continue to grow in the upcoming years.Security: A Critical Part of ITWhile Xanterra has added an individual in the CISO role, the CIO is still responsible for the big picture of technology and for ensuring that security keeps its rightful spot in the overall IT Strategic Plan and remains a key strategic initia-tive. Often, security is one of those items which everyone agrees is important but no one wants it to take the place of another project which they feel would add benefits to their operation. It is the CIO's responsibility to make sure that key security initiatives remain a critical part of the whole IT Strategic Plan and that focus remains this important topic.My Opinion to CIOsMy biggest suggestion to a new CIO in the hospitality indus-try would be for them to take time to learn the challenges of the industry before determining what areas of technology need changing. I know when I switched from the healthcare to the hospitality industry, my ego made me believe that I didn't need to spend the necessary time learning the differ-ences in the operation and what technology services would best benefit the company. After learning some painful les-sons, I learned that spending some time with the various operational units learning what they need to be successful in performing their jobs is the key for me to help and supply the technology services which will best fit their needs. I believe that IoT could really start to play a bigger role within our facilities to help better management these facilities and report issues in a more automated way
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