Mary K. Pratt
Contributing writer
Mary K. Pratt is a freelance writer based in Massachusetts.
Getting an inside track on open source
These companies swear by the strategic advantages gained when their IT workers contribute to open-source projects. But strict guidelines are paramount.
The rise of the chief data officer
As CIOs become overwhelmed by IT demands, chief data officers (CDOs) are stepping in to serve as a centralized point of data governance and data management.
California firefighters battle blazes with data from the cloud
Crews on the ground use mobile devices to access digital images and data streams as they plan their strategies for responding to California wildfires.
Daimler Trucks' top IT exec hires a mix of 'Einsteins' and 'Edisons'
Dieter Haban, CIO at Daimler Trucks North America, led the team that developed a real-time, factory-installed remote diagnostic system found on more than 70,000 Daimler Freightliner trucks.
The embedded IT worker: Would you fit in?
The trend toward embedding IT workers within business units has been much heralded in theory, but slow to take off in practice. Those organizations that have made the move to an embedded IT workforce talk about the pros and cons.
Degree-free IT: Can college-skippers thrive in tech?
With college costs sky high and the IT job market red hot, some techies are skipping the sheepskin and heading straight to work. Is that a smart move or short-sighted?
Big data and CRM help public broadcaster attract more donors
Data quality projects show Boston's WGBH how to segment customers for more lucrative target marketing.
AT&T plans to transform customer engagement
Thaddeus Arroyo, president of technology development at AT&T, has a big job: He oversees about 15,000 IT employees and 10,000 contractors, manages systems supporting all of AT&T's business segments and is responsible for AT&T's...
Fidelity's top IT exec sees potential in A.I.
For several years, Stephen Neff, enterprise CTO at Fidelity Investments, has been focusing on the cloud, social tools and mobile. Now he's turning his attention to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, gamification...
How to create seamless mobile security for employees
If your organization’s security procedures are disruptive and clunky, frustrated employees will figure out how to get around them. Here’s how three companies created a secure and seamless experience for end users.
10 hottest IT skills for 2015
Programmers and project managers rejoice: Your skills are bankable assets.
Cloud computing claims a pivotal role in 2015
Not yet dominating enterprise IT, but progressing at a steady rate, cloud continues its ascent in 2015.
Outgoing Commerce Department CIO pushed to shake up the federated model
When Simon Szykman was named CIO of the U.S. Department of Commerce, he inherited a federated IT organization that needed to improve its efficiency and effectiveness, so he applied his strategic vision and consensus-building skills in...
The Internet of Things figures into this IT leader's five-year plan
When Chris LeBeau stepped into the top IT position at Peoria, Ill.-based Advanced Technology Services (ATS) nearly two years ago, he formulated a clear objective for the IT division: putting the right technology tools and capabilities...
University CIO helps boost graduation rates with analytics
This university CIO uses analytics to help boost graduation rates.
10 hot cloud computing skills
As more companies embrace shared services, staffers with cloud computing chops are watching their fortunes rise.
Tech Pros Need to Learn the Art of Brevity
A communication expert -- author of the new book "Brief" -- says you'll have a bigger impact by saying less. But it requires preparation.
Cloud Hub Is a Good Fit for Footwear Company
An online supply chain platform helps Wolverine Worldwide integrate a major acquisition and become more agile
Enterprise Search Brings Together Structured and Unstructured Customer Data
Financial services firm UBS lets customers and employees see much more data, much faster, to improve relationships.