Technology moves fast, and business leaders are expected to keep up. But for most small to mid-sized businesses, staying on top of IT strategy, security, compliance, and vendor management is simply too much for a busy owner or overworked internal team.
Enter the Virtual CIO, also known as a vCIO.
This article breaks down what a virtual CIO is, what they do, and how a service like Succurri’s vCIO offering can help your business grow, reduce risk, and stay competitive. So, what is a virtual CIO? Let’s take a deeper dive…
What Is a VCIO?
A Virtual CIO (vCIO) is an outsourced executive-level advisor who provides high-level strategic IT leadership to businesses on a part-time or fractional basis.
They serve as a trusted technology partner, offering the same strategic guidance as a Chief Information Officer, but without the full-time salary or overhead. A vCIO is responsible for aligning your IT infrastructure and systems with your business goals, proactively managing risk, and helping you make smart technology investments.
Virtual CIO Meaning: The term “vCIO” stands for virtual Chief Information Officer. At its core, it’s a leadership role focused on ensuring your business leverages technology the right way.
“A virtual CIO brings clarity, strategy, and accountability to business technology. We help leadership teams make confident, future-ready decisions that actually support their business goals—without the overwhelm.”
— Andrew Eckstrom, vCIO at Succurri
What Does a vCIO Do?
Unlike break-fix IT providers or even traditional MSPs (Managed Service Providers), a vCIO focuses on strategic oversight, not just day-to-day tech support.
Here’s what a typical vCIO from Succurri handles for clients:
1. Strategic IT Planning
Your vCIO creates a technology roadmap that aligns with your short- and long-term business goals.
Annual IT Planning Consultations
2. Cybersecurity & Risk Management
A vCIO helps you identify and mitigate risks related to data loss, ransomware, compliance violations, and more.
3. IT Budgeting & Cost Control
With access to industry benchmarks and vendor relationships, a vCIO ensures you’re spending wisely.
4. Network & Performance Monitoring
Your vCIO oversees system performance and recommends improvements to avoid downtime or inefficiencies.
5. Vendor Management
Rather than juggling multiple vendors yourself, your vCIO handles contracts, performance reviews, and negotiations.
6. IT Performance Reporting
Quarterly and annual performance reviews provide visibility into how well your IT is supporting the business.
Quarterly IT Performance Reviews
Who Needs a Virtual CIO?
If any of the following sound familiar, your business may be ready for a vCIO:
- You lack a dedicated IT strategy and only deal with tech problems when they arise.
- You’re unsure whether your IT budget is being used effectively.
- Cybersecurity is a concern, but you’re not sure how to address it.
- You want to grow, but don’t know if your technology will scale with you.
- You work in a regulated industry and need to ensure compliance.
Businesses across healthcare, finance, legal, construction, and service-based industries benefit from the clarity and confidence that comes with having a vCIO.
Benefits of Hiring a vCIO
Here are some of the most important reasons businesses partner with Succurri for vCIO services:
- Strategic Leadership – Expert advice that helps you make the right technology decisions.
- Cost Efficiency – Avoid unnecessary purchases and get the most from existing investments.
- Future-Proofing – Plan for growth, upgrades, and security from a strategic standpoint.
- Vendor Oversight – Stop chasing vendors and let your vCIO hold them accountable.
- Increased Cybersecurity – Proactively identify and close potential risks and vulnerabilities.
Why Businesses Trust Succurri for vCIO Services
Succurri has decades of combined experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity services, and business operations. Our vCIO services are led by professionals like Andrew Eckstrom, who work closely with business owners and leadership teams to deliver tailored strategies, measurable ROI, and peace of mind.
As your IT leadership partner, Succurri acts as an extension of your team—proactive, responsive, and invested in your success.
