Suzanne Gordon, CIO and VP of IT, SAS, Cary, N.C.
Q: What has been the most challenging technical dilemma you have faced in your current position?
A: It's a constant one: how to handle any new technology, especially when you work in a technology company where everyone wants to try the latest, hot new technology. However, as CIO, I need to make sure we make wise and financially sound decisions. For something like tablet PCs, when they first came out, we picked a few of the most vocal R&D folks to try them out, and quiet frankly the enthusiasm quickly died out on that one. One of our executives is trying out the new iPhone. When blade technology first came out, we picked one project that was a good fit and learned from that one. You don't need to learn the same lessons by doing multiple projects with a new technology, just pick one. We try new things, but we do it cautiously and methodically.
