Virtual CIO (vCIO) service

Ascot London Consultancy offer a truly independent and flexible virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) service to the SME market which is not affiliated to any IT provider or vendor, ensuring the interest remains with you – the client. It is ideal for SME organisations that are unable to afford a full-time head of IT.

What is the role of a Chief Information Officer?

The Chief Information Officer (also known as a Chief Digital Information Officer) is responsible for the strategic insight on how technology will drive the business forward. They are the bridge between the technology and business sides of an organisation and link them to meet the businesses’ objectives and goals. They manage IT resources and budgets, make recommendations on or purchase equipment, manage IT resources, plan and develop policy, evaluate security, and calculate how to make an additional profit using the business’s technology. They are responsible for the company’s technology roadmap.

On a day-to-day basis, they review new technology, identifying when the business’s current technology will need to be replaced, managing vendors for cost efficiency, and ensuring the business technology can meet future needs. They are a key factor in reviewing current business processes while optimising (improving, automating, etc.) them and planning for future business processes.

Why choose a Virtual CIO?

Typically, SME companies and schools do not have the benefit of a board level CIO representative with a strong blend of commercial, leadership, and technology skills to direct the process of digital transformation.

Primarily, this is often due to the cost of employing such an individual and the business requirements not necessitating a full-time position. Our Virtual CIO is an ideal solution.

Our Virtual Chief Information Officers can help. With proven skills across a wide range of sectors, we have the experience to design and implement the services, solutions and strategy to deliver your vision and business goals.

Following an initial discussion, we would work out a plan as to how we can help, and the required commitment. This could be an on-going requirement or this could be as little as a few weeks or regular pre-determined on-site days per month.

Key Benefits

Digital Transformation Strategy
Cost control (Opex and Capex)
Governance and best practice
Managing third party suppliers, improved procurement
Board level reporting
Auditing
Technical solution design and validation
Project validation
Strategic IT roadmap produced, consider appropriate technology e.g. cloud technology, cyber security
Assist in IT due diligence and acquisition setup
Flexible commitment

Who would benefit from this service?

This fully outsourced service model is suitable for SME businesses where there is no member of staff performing the role of Chief Information Officer and which do not wish to carry the on-going salaried cost of employing one.

What is the business outcome?

The main benefit and business outcome of contracting a vCIO is that our clients do not have to become technologists or business information specialists or carry the financial burden of an expensive executive salaried member of staff. An added benefit is that IT and Technology roadmaps remain current and up to date, with ongoing improvements planned and delivered.

Inclusions, Exclusions and Terms

Because of the variance in potential engagement scope, Ascot London Consultancy would assess the contract requirements and provide pricing once the full scope and role has been identified.