Defining the CTO

Every market downturn provides organizations a new "first-mover" opportunity.

Sounds current. Yet, I wrote that back in August 2002 when I was a tech journalist covering CTOs and working at a different publication for (now CTO Edge editor) Mike Vizard. It was post 9-11; the ad market had tanked. High flying dot-coms had become head-shaking dot-bombs.
 
In the early 2000s, the title of CTO was relatively new. I explored how the CTO was changing technology and the org chart. The CTOs I talked too every day were passionate about their role, approachable and the corporate visionary.
 
It's now several years later -- with similarities. We're in midst of a boom -- with social media -- and a recession. The role of the CTO has evolved, and these visionaries are still working to align technology to business strategies and goals.
 
In The Agile CTO, we'll pick up the conversation and explore:

• What is the role of the CTO? How does the CTO differ from the CIO?
• Where in the pecking order does the CTO exist?
• And most important, how does the CTO align technology with business goals?