“With Web services, computers and applications will be able to navigate the Internet just as humans do with a browser.” That’s how I was first introduced to Web services.
Initially, however, the thrust for many organizations is to use Web services as a means of integrating current in-house applications. And, while the major vendors with Web services offerings point to compelling case studies of spectacular successes using Web services, most CIOs we’ve spoken with who’ve ventured there tell an optimistic, but cautionary, tale. In the feature, ‘A Tough Road to Follow,’ Meta Group’s Doug Lynn offers insights into the challenges Web services represent, and some advice for CIOs contemplating their implementation.
The somewhat coincidentally blue cover of this issue features IBM Global Services Canada’s CIO, George Postalian. As a business, IBM embodies many of the characteristics of our readers’ companies. Many even share IBM Canada’s distinction of being a subsidiary of a much larger international company. It has also faced many of the challenges faced by other businesses, such as the wrenching changes in its market and competitive landscape in the mid-nineties.
Given the size and resources of IBM, the nature of its business and its ready access to technology, one might expect that it knows a thing or two about turning IT to business advantage. So for our cover story, managing editor Dave Carey chose to explore the company’s internal IT/business strategy, and its progress toward the objective IBM calls the ‘on demand’ organization.
We’re rapidly approaching CIO Canada magazine’s 10
th
anniversary celebration on June 3
rd
, 2003 in Toronto. This special evening will incorporate the ITX Awards, but we’re also going to be focusing on the CIOs who’ve graced our covers during that time. We’ve tracked down many, but some of you are proving elusive. If you have been featured on a CIO Canada cover, and have not already been contacted by IT World Canada, or if you would simply like to add your name to the waiting list to attend this invitation-only event, please contact:
Pat Sculley – psculley@itworldcanada.com Or call Pat at (416) 290-0240 x 201.