Chief Information Officers are coming to the front line to defend their operations and point technology resources to profitability against a slowing economy, according to Gartner, Inc. A global survey of 1,500 CIOs, which was released recently from Gartner’s Executive Programs, states that CIOs are building IT programs for maximum cost-effectiveness and profitability. Technology has been selected as the weapon of choice to boost the bottom line, according the report. The market downturn has produced pressure for CIOs on all fronts. Businesses are experiencing an increase in operational costs and more strain on resources, as well as pressure from competition. In response, CIOs are focusing efforts where they can be most effective – providing executive leadership, building organizational capabilities, demonstrating and delivering value for IS investments and providing e-enablement.