CIO V/S CTO

sunandaC

Sunanda K. Chavan
Even though both the terms CIO and CTO feel alike, there exist a lot of differences in the job responsibilities carried out by them. The Chief Information Officer is in charge to manage the technological infrastructure of a company at its top most level. The CTO or the Chief Technology Officer deals with the creative design of the technological infrastructure of the Company.


Chief Information Officer Courses and Job Opportunities

A technical degree in any of the disciplines of Computer science, information systems, or Networking at master’s level are often required for becoming a Chief Information Officer. At entry level, they can get in to junior level positions. By gaining practical experience and knowledge, these professionals can get in to the reputed position of CIO. Job opportunities are plenty for these professionals, as they possess adequate technical and managerial expertise.

Chief Technology Officer Courses and job Opportunities

An advanced technical degree such as B. Tech or M.Tech is often preferred as basic qualification to get in to the job profile of CTO. Sufficient years of experience are also prerequisite to become the same. Adequate technical skills in managing database, operating transactions, and other applications in the organization are also required. These professionals can find lot of opportunities in the job market with good salary.

Key differences between CIO and CTO

The main role of CIO is to manage the infrastructure technology of a company where as that of CTO is to improve the architectural facilities in technology.
The CTO should possess a creative approach in technical design where as CIO should possess good managerial skills.
The CIO always involve in indoor IT operations of the firm where as CTO serves as the leader of the technical work group.
The CIO always strives to drive business operations with advanced technology where as the later uses technology to improve the profitability of business.
The CIO mainly focuses on providing services to users and business units where as CTO focuses on the services rendered to external buyers.
The CIO communicates and manages transactions for importing infrastructure solutions for the company where as CTO deals with transactions of solutions for improving the product of the Company.
The CIO is responsible to line up the IT infrastructure of the company according to business priorities where as CTO perform necessary actions to align the product of the company with business priorities.
The CIO develops policies to bring up the profitability of the firm where as CTO develop measures to improve its revenue.
 
Some additional notes on the topic...

In many companies that deal with Finances there is also a "Chief Investment Officer" that sometimes gets confused with a "Chief Information Officer."

Also, in most enterprises, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) reports to the "Chief Information Officer" (CIO). This is sometimes not the case but it is more the norm that CTOs report to CIOs than the exception, where the CTO is equal or manages the CIO.

I hope this helps.
 
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