Specialized roles have developed within functions such as product development and data processing, in addition leadership roles have evolved with increased specialization.
The manager of data processing became the head of MIS, which became the VP of IS, IT and IM and eventually the CIO.
However, the straight-line linear development of roles created gatekeepers that were themselves a limiting factor.
Today, as organizations become more dependent upon technology and the pervasiveness of technology affects more people and more functions, it has become essential for all leaders to be technically literate.
In different industries and markets, multiple roles are involved in technology strategy choices and the total corporate spend associated with technology consumes an ever larger portion of both capital and operational budgets.