Business execs are from Mars, IT leaders are from Venus

Technology executives are now approaching their work to the beat of "running IT like a business" drum. But in order to make that happen they need to be on the same page as their business executive counterparts to make sure business goals and technology investments are aligned. But more often than not, they are not on the same page.

According to IDC's latest FutureScan data, line-of-business executives are becoming more conservative in their outlook about spending as compared to IT leaders, and they also want to keep the number of IT vendors they consider "strategic partners" to a minimum. Why the different attitude? According to the report; "The possibility of an economic slowdown seems to be holding back the investment outlook of some business executives."

That finding raises some important questions. First, does it simply mean that CIOs are not as equally tuned in to signs of a potential economic slowdown as are line-of-business managers? Or are they firmly convinced that what current spending plans they have are justified and critical to the company even in the face of a precarious economy? The answers are anybody's guess, but if you are a CIO, or work with one, I'd love to hear your take.