FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Transition Partners Co.
703/736-0550, ext. 46
703/794-1100

MOST CEOs SAY THEIR COMPANY KEEPS PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY, BUT DOESN'T LEAD THE WAY

RESTON, VA — A majority of Chief Executive Officers say their companies keep pace with developments in information technology, but don't lead the way, according to 53 CEOs surveyed by Transition Partners, a Reston, VA consulting firm. "Given people's natural tendency to believe their efforts are above average, it's remarkable that nearly six in ten CEOs see their organization as being on a par with competitors — rather than ahead — as far as technology is concerned," said Transition Partners Managing Partner Tom Pettibone.

Fifty-eight percent said their company is equal to competitors, while 38 percent think they're in front. On the other hand, just four percent believe they trail their competitors.

Moreover, 73 percent believe their companies are spending "the right amount" on information technology, while 12 percent think they're spending too much. Fourteen percent think they're not spending enough.
"The question most frequently asked of consultants," said Pettibone, "is whether the company is spending 'the right amount' on IT — and it's always the most difficult. The answer depends upon so many variables: the company's business objectives and competitive position, previous IT investment, the e-commerce imperative, technological innovation, status of legacy systems, and so on. Moreover, any given organization is in a state of constant motion, and so any steps taken have to be accomplished while meeting everyday IT needs."

"What's striking about the survey findings," said Pettibone, "is that most CEOs are confident of their IT spending level and at the same time want to stay current in technology, but not too far out front. As one CEO put it, they don't want IT to take precedence, but rather they want the business to drive IT investment. And while 'technology leadership' may be called for in some companies, the great majority of organizations want just what they need to keep their competitive position."

Headquartered in Reston, VA, Transition Partners is a consulting firm that helps top management optimize their information technology services delivery. The firm provides a range of services including IT assessment, strategy development, best practices, outsourcing facilitation, business continuity planning, program management and turnaround IT management. For more information access www.TransitionPartnersCo.com.

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