"Immaterial to advancement of technology, we still are dependent on some key team members for decision making during critical times. Key resource attrition is one of the major concerns."

Dr. Selvam K
Group CIO
Siva Industries and Holding

With more than 24 years of experience, Dr.Selvam has expertise in Large Outsourcing Contract, Strategic Directions, Technology Expert, Network Planning and Deployment Private Cloud, Infrastructure Build and Operations, Unified Communications. As Group CIO, he is responsible for IT Strategy and decision making for US$ 3 billion conglomerate with operations in Realty, Telecom, Project Engineering, Shipping, Energy, Commodities Trading, Agriculture Exports and Education / Software.

Challenges in technology to meet enterprise needs in 2013 and expectations

The biggest challenge in technology for enterprise needs today is business stability and budget allocation for new projects and initiatives. Cost optimization is key and some of non-critical application being moved to cloud. IT resources are also being moved from fixed cost to on demand model. Data security management as multiple devices is being used for end user computing every day. This year we expect a demand for business analytic tools across various platforms to reduce cost or improve business bottom line.

The areas in business environment where solutions do not yet exist or not up to the mark, and which if existed, would've made job easier

Some of the key improvement areas are business analytics tools and availability of networks.
Immaterial to advancement of technology we still are dependent on some key team members for decision making during critical times. Key resource attrition is one of the things which keep me awake. Technology life time today is very short and we need to keep updates of newer versions in a much smaller short span. The increase in end user computing and platforms from earlier single node to multiple devices (Tab, Laptops, Smartphones etc.) and platforms (Android, iOS, Windows etc) has a significant impact on the deployed solutions.

Technology trends impacting enterprise business environment

Cloud awareness and usage has increased dramatically last year. All major service providers are today having significant cloud solutions for business and this trend will further change any current business environment. BYOD is another significant change which any enterprise will need to manage this year.

My roles and responsibilities as a CIO

My role from CIO two years back has considerably changed, as today I need to look at cost, manpower and business strategy. No longer there is a plan to innovate but it is essential nowadays to work in a tight budget with minimum resources as well as to look to contribute to business from day one.

Lessons learned and advice for fellow CIOs

Positive point is aggregation or consolidation to movement of private cloud and reap its benefit, but in the same manner ensuring recovery of charge back mechanism is done with all business units in a timely manner. This is critical as the services will impact entire customer base even if one business unit is in default.