01 July 2009, London, UK –
CIO Connect Limited today announced the launch of
CIOnet, a new social networking community for CIOs and IT managers at large and mid-sized organisations. Using a powerful, social networking platform, CIOnet combines online activity and face-to-face events to create a community in which members can network more effectively and efficiently. The network is designed to help members become more effective in their business roles and to help develop their own personal careers.
CIOnet allows CIOs and IT leaders to connect, publish relevant content, share knowledge and exchange ideas in an environment dedicated to their profession. In addition, a series of face-to-face events are organised throughout the course of the year with the subject matter driven by membership priorities.
CIOnet’s UK Advisory Board is already being established with high profile CIOs including Richard Boynett of Electrocomponents, Rob Daniels of Elsevier and Steven Vigor of Deutsche Bank. CIOnet membership is on an invitation only basis, with members able to invite colleagues and peers. CIOnet UK is targeting 500 members by the end of the year and expects to double that number in 2010.
Membership criteria for CIOs is an IT budget of £2m plus or a department of 20 or more people. CIO direct reports wishing to become members must work at an organisation with an IT budget of £20m plus or in an organisation of 200 or more IT people.
“CIOnet is the membership network for connection and insight hungry and time poor CIOs and IT leaders,” said Nick Smith, CIOnet’s UK network leader. “CIOnet uses the very best social networking techniques and incorporates them into a professional environment dedicated to the needs of CIOs and their teams.”
CIOnet UK members will also be able to network internationally with around 750 members in mainland Europe. CIOnet was first established in Belgium and the Netherlands, and has recently launched in Spain. A further three countries will join the network by the end of 2010.
CIOnet is funded by key technology vendor Business Partners who participate in the community, bringing their own insight and experience. Business partners working with CIOnet in Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain include IBM, HP, Deloitte, Capgemini, BT, Microsoft and Logica. In the UK discussions with potential business partners are at an advanced stage.
CIO Advisory Board Member Rob Daniels, said: “CIOnet's powerful and easy to use online networking will make it possible for me to interact with a wide ranging IT leader community in the UK and beyond - giving me the insight and connections I need when and how I need them.”
