Fractional IT Leadership in Omaha

Getting the right tech strategy in place so your business can keep up with its growth goals - that's what we do. No need to hire a full-time CIO, just get some high-level guidance on strategy, security, AI, automation, and keeping things fresh.

Fractional IT leadership means your business gets to tap into the expertise of a virtual Chief Information Officer - a vCIO. They provide the kind of high-level advice and guidance that a full-time CIO would, but at a lower cost and in a way that suits your business needs.

A vCIO is like a contractor or a specialist who comes in on a project-by-project or part-time basis to make sure you're getting the best out of your IT setup. They'll look at your business, figure out what your IT needs are, and then work with your team to create a plan that gets you the results you want.

The main job of a vCIO is to make sure your IT is empowering your business goals, not just costing you money. They take the time to get to know your business objectives and develop a strategy that really works for you. That means keeping an eye on the tech you're using, making sure you've got the right skills in place, and coming up with creative solutions to the problems you're facing.

Technology shouldn't just be a necessary expense - it should be a real asset for your business. And that's exactly what a good vCIO can help you achieve.

Get Started

The Benefits of a vCIO

A vCIO is perfect for businesses that don't have the budget or resources to hire a full-time CIO. It's a way for smaller businesses to tap into some of that high-level IT expertise without breaking the bank. Here are just a few of the benefits you can expect from working with a vCIO:

Strategic advice that really means something

A vCIO will sit down with you and figure out how to use technology to make more money and save some cash. Every single recommendation we make is going to be connected to a specific business goal.

Access to top-notch IT expertise on a budget

You don't have to pay for a six-figure salary to get the kind of expertise that a big company would get from their in-house IT team. We bring enterprise level know-how to your small business.

Fresh eyes on the problem

A vCIO can come in and look at your IT infrastructure with a fresh eye - they might spot things that your in-house team have been missing. Because they've worked with loads of different companies, they've got a broad range of experiences to draw on and can bring some really innovative ideas to the table.

Scalable IT leadership

If you're a small business in Omaha, you can scale our vCIO service right up or down as you need to. Whether you're just starting out or you're a big organisation with complex IT needs, we've got you covered. And because our vCIOs are flexible, they can adapt to the changing needs of your business.

Long-term tech planning

A vCIO will work with you to develop a long-term strategy for your technology that's tailored to your specific business needs and goals. That means we can help with things like disaster recovery, business continuity planning - the whole nine yards.

Staying ahead of the competition

When your tech strategy is aligned with your business goals, you're going to stay one step ahead of the competition. That's what a vCIO can do for you.

LEARN MORE

What Does a Fractional CIO Engagement Look Like?

Getting Started and Working Together

Every engagement starts with getting to know your business - figuring out where you are, what you need, and what your goals are. We spend some time talking to your team, looking at your existing systems, and getting a clear picture of what's happening in the world of IT.

From there, we work on getting everyone aligned - making sure your IT team, your business leaders, and your vendors are all on the same page. That means opening up communication channels, working out what's possible, and coming up with a strategy that everyone can get behind.

Creating an IT Roadmap

Next, we work on creating a roadmap for your IT - a clear plan of action that shows how you're going to get from where you are to where you want to be to fulfill your business objectives. This is a bit like mapping out a journey - but instead of just showing you the route, it shows you exactly what steps you need to take to get there.

When we're working on your IT roadmap, we often talk about four key areas:

Aligning with your business goals - Making sure every tech decision supports your overall strategy.
Creating a technology roadmap - Outlining the specific steps you need to take to get there.
Resource allocation - Working out how to allocate your IT budget, skills, and current infrastructure to get the best results.
Risk management - Anticipating any potential problems and coming up with contingency plans to deal with them.

Security and Compliance Work

We also take a close look at your security and compliance posture - making sure you're meeting all the necessary regulations and standards. This means evaluating your security risk, identifying any gaps in your framework, and coming up with a plan to deal with them. We also look at disaster recovery and business continuity - so you're ready for anything.

Automation and Innovation Work

And finally, we work on helping you automate and innovate - finding new ways to use technology to drive your business forward. This might involve looking at new tools, new processes, or new ways of working - whatever it takes to give you a competitive edge.

Emerging technologies are a double-edged sword for companies - they can be a big headache but they also present some amazing opportunities for businesses who are brave enough to take on the challenge. We help you figure out whether these new-fangled solutions - like artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, and more - are worth your time and money. When it comes down to it, effective IT leaders are the ones who know how to harness these technologies to bring about real, lasting benefits to the whole business.

Project Implementation

When the roadmap identifies some new IT project that needs doing, we'll handle the execution. That might mean migrating to the cloud, replacing some old legacy system, rolling out new security tools, or figuring out how to manage all your data - we'll oversee the whole thing from planning right through to getting everything running smoothly. Our vCIO service is a great way for businesses - especially the ones who can't afford a team of full-time IT pros - to get access to expert IT advice and guidance on demand.

How Much Does a Fractional CIO Cost?

So how much is a vCIO going to set you back? Well, it really depends on what your business needs are, but here's a rough idea of what the market looks like:

Full-time CIO salary in Omaha: $150,000 to $300,000 a year, plus all the usual extras like benefits and bonuses.
vCIO hourly rate: You can expect the cost of hiring a vCIO to start at around two hundred and fifty dollars an hour and go up from there, depending on how complex things are and just how much expertise you need.
Subscription model: Our subscription model for vCIO services is usually in the two to ten grand a month range, depending on how big the organization is and what kind of support they need.

Most of our engagements are priced up in a nice neat monthly package that ties in with the number of hours you need per week or month - and that helps make budgeting nice and straightforward. No nasty surprises down the line.

A vCIO can really help businesses save money by giving them some smart IT guidance that stops them throwing cash at technology that's not really doing the job. Cancelling or botching technology operations can really hurt a company's finances, and it's usually a heck of a lot cheaper to get it right in the first place rather than trying to fix things after the fact.

For a lot of businesses, it's not so much a question of whether they can afford to hire a fractional CIO - it's more a case of whether they can afford not to have one.

Who Should Talk to a Fractional CIO?

If you've got an IT team in place, but you're struggling to get the most out of your tech, then a fractional CIO could be just the thing for you. Maybe you've got new compliance requirements to deal with, or you're trying to boost your cybersecurity. Perhaps you're just not sure if you're getting the best value out of the technology you've got.

You might have tried to get more out of your tech in the past, but it just hasn't worked out. That's not because you're doing anything wrong, it's just that you need some expert guidance to help you get the most out of what you've got.

The thing is, technology is moving fast - and businesses need to keep up. That's where a good vCIO comes in - to help you navigate the ups and downs of the digital world and make sure your business stays ahead of the game.

So, if any of the following sound like you, then a conversation with a fractional CIO is definitely worth your time:

Your business is growing, but your tech strategy can't keep up
You've got old systems that are still creaking along - but are they worth keeping?
Compliance is getting more complicated - and you're not sure how to keep up
You've got an IT team in place, but they're not driving the strategy
Technology decisions are being made on the fly, without thinking things through
You're planning some major tech initiative - and you need some expert advice

How is a vCIO Different from a Full-Time CIO?

So what's the difference between a full-time CIO and a vCIO? Well, it all comes down to flexibility, cost and perspective.

Full-Time CIO: A traditional CIO is a full-time employee who is embedded in your company. They know the culture and inner workings of the business inside and out. But the downside is that you're going to have to shell out a pretty penny for that expertise - anywhere from $150,000 to $300,000 a year in Omaha. And for a lot of smaller businesses, that just isn't feasible.

Fractional CIO (vCIO): A vCIO is a more flexible solution. We do the same thing as a full-time CIO - we provide strategic planning and consulting to make sure you're getting the most out of your IT budget - but we do it on a part-time basis. That means our vCIOs have a broad range of experience working with different companies across various industries. And because they're not tied to a single company, they've got a fresh perspective on the industry and can bring some real insights to the table.

While an MSP can handle the day-to-day stuff, a vCIO is more of a high-level strategist - they're the ones who can help you make sense of your IT landscape and make some tough decisions about where to focus your resources. And the good news is that you don't have to break the bank to get that kind of expertise.

What our clients say

Reviews

5 Over 122 Reviews

Write a Review

Susan Schaaf 3 weeks ago

Roy Smith was amazing! I told him the issue, and he had it solved in 2 minutes! He made my day, and I am able to finish a project that is due!
Susan, Omaha Street School

...

Jeffrey FRI Johnson 2 months ago

I reached out to the team at Ascend late on a Friday afternoon with a security questionnaire that a client was requiring. I didn't understand many of the questions they asked and clearly didn't know the answers. The Ascend team had the questionnaire completed and turned in for me before I opened my email on Saturday morning! Always above an beyond is all I can say!

...

Shawn Bettes 2 months ago

Ascend is consistently reliable and always on top of my support requests. I appreciate the automated acknowledgments followed by the quick turnaround on every support need I submit.

...

Caitlynn Eldridge 3 months ago

Ascend has been truly wonderful to work with and we couldn't be more appreciative of them!

...

Sam Tynan 3 months ago

Very pleased with our partnership with Ascend. The entire team goes above and beyond to make sure our technology needs are met on a daily basis. We would not be able to operate in our most efficient ways without their support.

...

Tina Acevedo 3 months ago

We have been so impressed with the level of service from Ascend. From setting up with all of the hardware we need, to helping us with software installations, the team has been responsive, friendly, and so helpful! We've sought their expertise on organization of assets, setting up team calendars, and reworking our SharePoint. Every interaction has made our team feel like they are fully invested in our success, and that they are truly a part of our team. I jokingly say that Ascend's level of customer service has spoiled me for other vendors, but in all seriousness, it's true! It's very easy to communicate with them through the email ticket system or a call to the help desk. I'd name specific team members, but at this point, I've worked with just about everyone, and each is a stellar representative of the company who makes our lives so much easier with their knowledge and willingness to solve any problems that come up.

...

Deb Lensch 4 months ago

Russ was quick to save and transfer my notes and groups from my old outlook to my new outlook! Great job Russell and Ascend!!!!

...

patty mastin 5 months ago

Roy saved the day, again! Thank you, Sir, for your help with fixing all of my problems! The world could use 100 more of you!

...

Tim Mohatt 6 months ago

Awesome response time and frequent updates. They got my issue resolved quickly to eliminate any long term issues.

...

Fractional CIO Services FAQ

What is a Virtual CIO?

A Virtual Chief Information Officer is basically an outsourced IT expert who helps you get your tech in line with your business goals. With a vCIO on board, you get to tap into some top-notch strategic IT planning, budgeting and consulting services - all without the expense of hiring a full-time CIO. We take a close look at your tech infrastructure, find ways to streamline and make it more efficient, and make sure everything stays nice and secure. All while helping your business grow - that's the idea.

How can a vCIO help my business?

If you're a small to medium-sized business, you might not have the resources to hire a full-time CIO, but you still need some smart IT guidance. A vCIO or fractional CIO can provide the expertise and leadership skills your business needs to thrive with technology - and at a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive. Most of the time, businesses come to us when they're facing new compliance requirements, need some help with their cybersecurity, are thinking about new IT initiatives, or just figuring out how to get more out of their tech. A vCIO can give them the guidance they need to navigate the tech landscape.

What if I already have an IT service provider?

Not all IT service providers are created equal, to be honest. A lot of them just don't have the experience in enterprise environments, and even when they do, it's usually limited to the support side of things rather than strategy. When you're looking for a fractional CIO, you want to know that the people you're working with have real-world experience driving strategic initiatives in businesses just like yours. Our services can actually complement what your existing provider is doing, by adding that strategic layer that they might not be able to provide. Plus it can be strategic to have a 3rd party serve as your fractional IT leader to keep your MSP accountable.

Is a vCIO overkill for a small business?

Not always. There are situations where a small business wants to launch a new technology initiative, develop an app, scale up their tech or is facing some new security or compliance requirements that they just need some outside help with. We can tailor our services to fit your budget and what you need. Even a quarterly strategic planning session can make a big difference in how your technology supports your business operations.

How does our fractional IT service get delivered?

Our consulting services can be delivered either in person or remotely, so you don't have to worry if you're based outside of Omaha. A lot of engagements start with a bit of an assessment to get a baseline of where your tech is at, then we create a strategic tech roadmap to get everything aligned with your business goals. Sometimes, we'll use some pre-made IT strategic planning templates to get things started and make sure we cover all the key areas. From there, we work together on a regular basis.

Do I need an in-house IT team to use your service?

No way. We usually work at the business level, rather than the IT level, and we interact with your leadership team or principal. If things get too technical, we work with your existing IT team or managed IT service provider. If you're thinking about making some changes to your current team, we can either act as a neutral third party to help you make that decision or we can also serve as an outsourced IT department for helpdesk, network administration, cybersecurity and all that other tech stuff.

How much does a fractional CIO cost?

The cost will vary, depending on what your business needs are. Most services are priced on an hourly rate or monthly subscription based on the number of hours you need. Hourly rates usually start around two hundred and fifty dollars an hour. Monthly subscriptions usually range from two grand to ten grand a month, depending on the organisation size and scope. So that makes budgeting nice and predictable. And if you compare that to a full-time CIO salary of a hundred fifty to three hundred grand plus benefits, the value becomes pretty clear.

What is the IT strategic planning process?

IT strategic planning is all about crafting a roadmap to get your IT operations in line with what you want to achieve as a company. It entails taking stock of how your current technology setup is performing, spotting areas that need a boost and opportunities to get ahead, drawing up a plan of action that makes sense, doling out the resources you need, and putting in place some basic safety nets to manage risks. The whole process usually takes anywhere from three to six months to get your first plan in place - and after that you'll typically be reviewing it on a quarterly or monthly basis to keep everything up to date. And the good news is it's a continuous process that can adapt as your business grows and changes.

Let's Get Your IT Strategy On Track

We're Happy to Talk About Strategy for Free. We'd love to sit down with our IT experts and have a discussion about your tech needs. That might be just a quick question about a specific project you're working on, or it might be time to explore the potential benefits of getting some fractional IT leadership in to shake things up. Whatever it is, we'll make time to listen.

Your business needs IT leadership that can drive strategic decisions - not just someone who's going to keep the lights on. And let's be honest, technology is too important to just let it run on autopilot. When you've got the right IT leaders guiding your technology strategy every dollar you spend on tech starts working harder for your business.

Real Results to Get Excited About. Our experience in fractional technology leadership has shown time and again that it can result in some really tangible improvements - think security, team productivity and tech spend. We'd love to show you what a more hands-on approach to IT strategy might look like

Free IT Assessment