Aware of what tech debt costs them, CIOs still can’t make it an IT priority

CIOs face the dual challenge of adopting new technologies while managing existing technical debt, which includes outdated applications, bloated code, and aging hardware. A recent CIO Sentiment Survey by IDC reveals that almost 40% of CIOs anticipate overspending on digital infrastructure due to excessive technical debt. Despite this, priorities like AI and cybersecurity often overshadow efforts to eliminate tech debt. Experts suggest framing tech debt management within IT modernization and digital transformation initiatives to win executive support. Addressing older systems is also crucial for cybersecurity and overall business efficiency. CIOs should create a balanced, long-term plan for tech debt reduction, demonstrating both immediate and future ROI to company leadership.

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