Shift your priorities in this downturn

It's time to prepare three budget scenarios for next year, if you haven't already. As the economy seesaws, but continues to look grim, take a deep breath and try to look at the situation in a variety of ways. Develop a plan if your budget stays flat and another one that includes a 20 percent reduction in budget. And keep a third in your back pocket if the economic indicators become more favorable.

"In each case, we have said, 'This is what we deliver, this is what you would get for it, this is the consequence for stopping or reducing, and this is how much money you would save.' So, we're trying to be anticipatory with that," said Peter Whatnell, CIO of Sunoco Inc. in an interview with SearchCIO.com.

CIOs must do their part in helping to reduce costs. That includes cutting some projects, reducing service levels and increasing risk levels. Whatnell said that at Sunoco, he's reviewing everything from the level of services in the data center to the use of Google for email. Many companies, including Sunoco, are looking for quick solutions, Whatnell said. The bigger issue is convincing a company that they can benefit from efficient use of IT without just hacking the budget by 10 percent.
 
For more on your economic priorities:
- check out this SearchCIO.com article

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