What is a CIO ?

I hear the title "CIO" often these days, but what does it mean? Chief Information Officer is a position that is essential in any business - large or small. Whether or not it is an official position in the business or is part of the job of the owner of a small business it is very important. Too often today's CIO is a glorified IT manager more focused on technology than on the business. A CIO SHOULD be focused on how to assist and support the business through the use of existing and future technology. The users of technology in his or her business should be viewed as customers and their satisfaction should be the number one goal of a good CIO. Many companies have a CIO but that position reports to either the CFO or HR Director. I disagree strongly with this structure. The CIO ( remember it's an officer ) should report to the CEO or COO. ( More to come ).