Basics of the CIO function

OK,  the primary job of the CIO is to serve the functions and users of the business.  They are the customers and they and their jobs are the important factors - not IT.

• IT is an expense.  It, in most cases, does not produce revenue.  However, IT can and should provide tools and innovative processes to assist the people who do produce revenue.
• IT exists to support the functions of the business and NEVER inhibit performance.
• The good CIO will provide guidance to the business on ways to help the functions of the business increase sales, control expenses and provide better customer service using technology WHERE appropriate.

So the first function of the CIO is controlling costs.