Language Deathmatch: CIO versus CTO
[NOTE: For some time I have been considering a series of short “Deathmatch” style articles, contrasting similar-but-different words. This post is the “Pilot” for such a series.]
A geek speculates: what is the difference between a CIO and a CTO?
Google returns a lengthy definition, a Slashdot discussion, and other answers. But Sean enjoyed my answer:
I have always read CTO as “Senior VP of Engineering†whereas CIO is “Senior VP of Information Servicesâ€
A CTO has more of a focus on engineering, like managing the development and deployment of a new web site at a dot-com. You’ll find CTOs at technology-centric companies.
A CIO focuses on an organization’s IT needs, and is more likely to focus on deploying existing third-party software to serve the needs of staff and customers, developing some new software when needed. You’ll find CIOs at Universities.
In a nutshell:
CTO == über-developer
CIO == über-sysadmin
