We have been saying that there are no IT projects any longer, merely solutions that address a business challenge that have an IT component, for some time now. There is also no doubt that IT must now demonstrate the business value to the leadership of their organization. Buying cool toys for the sake of their coolness is old school.  Where's the business case?

There have have been a lot of articles in the past year or so about the evolving role of the CIO, who they should be reporting to, and if perhaps they might even require a CTO. Note that only 31 percent of CIOs reported directly to CEOs in 2007, down from 45 percent in 2006. Over the same time, CIOs reporting to CFOs and COOs increased from 25 to 29 percent and from 16 to 22 percent respectively.  Does this bode well for the CIO?

A recent study by SIM International, and reported in Information Week notes that it is not all bad news. IT spending overall is up, CIOs are involved in strategic decision making, and seem to be finding that they are considered valuable members of the leadership team.  But there is a lot on their plates today - both tactically and strategically.  It is not enough to know the technology, or build a network, or satisfy regulatory compliance challenges.  What about that financial skill set?

In fact, it was interesting to note the seven non-technical skills that CIOs must develop today: political savvy; influence, leadership, and power; relationship management; resourcefulness; strategic planning; doing what it takes; and leading employees.

Many of you are realizing these changes within the customer base.  Understanding the challenges of the business from both a day-to-day tactical perspective, while strategically planning what is in the best interest of the organization is more important than where the CIO reports on the org chart.

So, what are you finding?  Is the CIO gaining influence, or losing it?  What's your take on the changing role that these leaders are playing today?  How are you changing the way you are communicating with these folks?  We'd love to hear your take.