| | JUNE 20208CIOReviewIN MY OPINIONChallenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Public SectorA noticeable commonality during the transition was that although resources were not the same, the importance of IT was significant and apparent in both these sectors. IT is like a wheel for the business without which an organization cannot work efficiently. Having been in the IT industry, working for private, education, and non-profits in the past, I found that there were no significant roles for a CIO or an IT manager in boardroom discussions. Today, private sectors thrive on profitability, and this is ensured through the utilization of IT services to improve productivity to provide a streamlined workflow. Nonetheless, it is quite evident that when it comes to the public sector, there is indeed a slower adoption of IT in these organizations.Importance of IT in Public SectorThe traction for IT in the public sector may have been slow in pace, but it is a strategic part of public sector initiatives, as is for the private sector. Normally, IT services are requested at the tail end of a project. This creates a lot of confusion for both, IT and the organization. The organization is confused of its capabilities to execute when they are asked and hence IT is confused at what kind of services is requested to make the project a success. There is a higher chance of success when IT is brought in at the beginning of the project as a partner and not at the end as a utility service. IT needs to have a seat at the table to be more effective on execution.IT as a Critical Enabler of InnovationThere is a misconception that IT is a cost center where there are no gains By Usama Georges, CIO, San Diego County District Attorney CONVERGENCE OF IT AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
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