Keeping up with the Jones’.
THE DISCUSSION
As a manager of IT folks I’m not as technical as I used to be back when I was a database administrator. While I can still get around in Active Directory and even Exchange I don’t have too or need to at this point in my career. I’m expected to do other things. So how do I find out the latest information on VOIP, or software-as-a-service, or even the latest business applications for the Blackberry. Sure, I have a couple of favorite web sites and blogs but I do most of my technical reading off line. And sure I have a subscription to PC World and Windows Vista magazines. But what is my secret? First some questions.
Did you know that using server virtualization the Philadelphia-based company Tasty Baking increase server utilization from 10 percent to up to 70 percent? Did you know that by developing and deploying statewide IT software standards Pennsylvania saved $30 million. Did you know that the new 32 year old Gen-X CIO of Starbucks was once an offensive guard of the Oregon Ducks football team, is an MBA graduate, and was once one of the top guild masters of the online game of World of Warcraft?
Well, so what, you might ask. Well I have actually implemented the first two with comparable results (perhaps not $30 million but a noticeable amount). The last one I just thought was cool since I drink lots of Starbucks when ever possible (make mine a white chocolate latte chia).
IT managers need to keep up with the the latest trends. They also need to see what ideas they can use to enhance or elevate their IT management practices.
Remember; borrow when you can because what works for one may work for another.
THE ACTION
Below are three great free magazines that keep me constantly up to date on the latest IT initiatives. Each of my above examples came out of the latest edition for each magazine. Did I say they were free?
1. Subscribe to CIO Magazine.
2. Subscribe to Public CIO Magazine.
3. Subscribe to Baseline Magazine.
Hint: Log on to the home pages for each of these magazines. All have great info and provide even more value to the high cost of these magazines.
Subscribe and enjoy.
-DO IT NOW AND ENGAGE-
