Emerging Technology Process Model 2010-09-01 Data The purpose of the process model is to provide a repeatable methodology to analyze emerging technologies available to various agencies across the federal government. The Federal Chief Information Technology Officer (CIO) has the responsibility for providing strategic guidance and direction to the heads of agencies throughout the federal government on all matters pertaining to information technology and computer systems in support of the agency core business. The CIO bridges the gap between technology and business operations. In addition, the CIO has the responsibility to influence the annual and strategic IT budget and detailed technology planning with a broad knowledge and understanding of emerging technologies which may have a dramatic impact on business operations. In federal agencies, the CIO is the principle advisor to help the organization avoid costly information technology investments errors while ensuring the IT infrastructure meets the needs of users from the business community. One of the complexities associated with the CIO role is projecting future requirements while taking advantage of emerging technology products, services and standards. The CIO has to consider the impact of any combination of new technologies on the core mission of the agency. Often, organizations focus on products rather than services and standards even though all three are intertwined and can have a profound impact on the agencies’ budget and efficiency. Within the broad spectrum of emerging technologies, there are three recognized levels of three maturity classes: Near term which is within a two to three year timeframe when an individual product or service is available for implementation within an organization; The transformational phase which has an approximate five year window to integration; and Ten years before the technology will possibly be available to consumers. The CIO needs to have a mature process to plan, evaluate and select emerging technologies for organization’s strategic roadmaps or they risk introducing technology which is behind the trends into their agencies. The analysis is organized into five steps in the emerging technology process. These are: 1. Survey the Emerging Technology Landscape 2. Investigate Potential Opportunities 3. Strategically Align to Objectives 4. Implement for Efficiency and Productivity Gains 5. Evaluate for Benefits Achieved Technology Refreshment IAC Emerging Technology SIG http://www.actgov.org/sigcom/SIGs/SIGs/ETSIG/pages/default.aspx Victor Koo KooV@Pragmatics.com