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August - 2014 - issue > CIO Insights
The Need to Remain Updated is Often Under-estimated
Kevin Haskew
CIO-ON Semiconductor
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ONNN) focuses on efficient power and signal management, logic, discrete and custom solutions to solve unique design challenges in automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial, LED lighting, medical, military/aerospace and power supply applications. The Phoenix, AZ headquartered company has a market cap of $4.02 billion.

Enterprises find it a difficult task to fulfill the constant requirement for IT systems upgrade. Currently, there is a prominent prevalence of complex and tiered systems architecture, and there has been a surge in the number of applications being implemented. In these circumstances, the concept of staying up-to-date is often underestimated. This ignorance is influencing several aspects such as IT resources, planning, costs, and efficiency. In view of these developments, it is of paramount importance to find alternatives to the current ways of system upgrade.

The other IT technology requirement is regarding IT Security. With the Internet Of Things (IOT) products and technologies expanding, the focus should be on IT resources, and Security loopholes, so as to facilitate a secure and compliant way of functioning for businesses.

Trends Gaining Thrust

The industry is witnessing a surge in new technologies, with the IoT surfacing as the most critical aspect. To explain the current significance of IoT, let's have a look at a real-life example of inter-connected vehicles. In cars, advance driver assistance systems, sensors, lighting and remote emergency assistance would be interconnected. Further, in the realm of personal health, hearing aids would be connected to Smartphones and there could be proliferation of remote patient monitoring and drug delivery.

In order to leverage the benefits of IoT, its developers should have a clear understanding on the requirements and best strategies that suit the current scenario. The present circumstances in the IT sector demands a flexible approach, which would, in turn ensure effective connection among IoT products and technologies.

With the world gradually approaching an inter-connected scenario, the need for increased collaboration, especially in a mobile environment turns crucial for technologies to develop and succeed. The reference here is towards collaborative design, better decision making through business analytics for sales opportunities and supply chain efficiency. The efforts to meet with the requirements have brought Mobility and Collaboration tools to the front as another trend.

The Balancing Act

As a CIO, the need to maintain a balance is the most critical concern that I encounter. In order to establish an equilibrium while handling different aspects, I focus on two aspects, Value-creation and Operational excellence.

The act of Value creation within IT enterprises has to be seen as an 'enabler' and not just a 'necessary cost center'. To make this happen, I have to co-ordinate with business leaders, understand business requirements and build a road map to deliver IT value that has true sponsorship and support.

Operational excellence is the second criteria in my balancing act. It is difficult to drive value creation without a strong foundation in Information Technology. We constantly strive to deliver outstanding services and operational excellence to internal as well as external customers. This requirement, though difficult to achieve, is crucial for organizational success. Operational excellence, to be called sustainable, should be carried out in a safe, secure and compliant environment.

The Innovative Approach

At our firm, innovation is of huge prominence, therefore, as part of our methods, three primary goals are incorporated into these strategies. These strategies are based on the need to drive Continuous improvement (CI), development and use of long term information technology roadmaps to drive creativity and navigate the future. Finally, I pay attention to bringing in new talent as per the specific requirements.

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