The itSMF Central Ohio LIG recently hosted a CIO panel at “The” Ohio State University.  Despite the snowy weather, there was a lot of great conversation.  I would like to touch on one piece of conversation which was probably the best of the evening.  When asked “Where would IT be in 5 years,” several of the CIO’s had similar opinions that IT will take on more of marketing (probably by social media) and will really become enmeshed with “the business.”  What does this mean?  First of all, it means the position of CIO will either 1) go away, or 2) take on more COO responsibilities.  This also means that IT and business are going to get closer; much, much closer.  So close, in fact, that I think it’s about time I go back to school and get a business degree (which will be great since I get to make up for all the partying I didn’t get to do).  On the other hand, maybe this means that if you’re currently in business school, now would be a good time to take on a CIS minor?  I know it may be difficult for a business major to actually have to study some nights, but such is life.

So there you have it; business and IT going beyond alignment and practically jumping in bed together.  Now the question remains, will it be a permanent future of wedded bliss, or just a torrid affair that will ultimately end with someone getting thrown out of bed butt naked only to be left grabbing their clothes from the street?  I personally don’t care since I’m very pleased with myself for coming up with a pretty nifty analogy.  Until then, anyone know of a good business school?  I’m thinking OSU.

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Started working in IT in 1999 as a support desk analyst as a way to help pay for food during college. Studied Electrical Engineering for two years before realizing biochemistry was more fun than differential equations, and so ultimately graduated with a Biology degree in 2006. Having (reluctantly) failed at getting accepted into dental school, embraced working in IT and has gone broke becoming an ITIL Expert. Likes to jog, sing camp songs, quote Mel Brooks movie lines and make dumb jokes and loves working for an Israeli tech company where December 25th is a regular work day.