Stories by Mary K. Pratt

Rebuilt Mobile Apps Help SeaWorld Make a Splash

After three years of poring over how customers used its first mobile app, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment recently rolled out a new set of apps designed to engage park visitors with a more personalized, interactive experience.

Written by Mary K. Pratt12 Aug. 14 05:42

Real-Time Analytics Helps Virginia Credit Union Prevent Fraud

Financial institutions use many technologies to fight crime, but much of the work comes too late, focusing on suspicious activity, like uncharacteristic charges or money transfers, after it happens.

Written by Mary K. Pratt25 July 14 08:58

Places spotlight: At HCA, IT employees have a chance to make an impact

At HCA, a Nashville-based healthcare company, the IT department's rallying cry is "Healthcare Inspired." It's a reminder to staffers that the systems they work on are "making a difference in people's lives," says Marty Paslick, senior vice president and CIO.

Written by Mary K. Pratt24 June 14 00:18

Best Places spotlight: VMware encourages tech workers to explore ideas

For Grant Nowell, it's the people that make VMware a great employer. "I work with smart, passionate individuals who share a common vision," he says, adding that the camaraderie gives him and his colleagues "energy to work through complex problems."

Written by Mary K. Pratt24 June 14 00:13

Best Places spotlight: At Radiant Logic, technologists manage their own projects

Radiant Logic's innovative projects help attract potential employees, as does the Novato, Calif.-based software company's small size. As members of a staff of just 55 people, 45 of whom are in IT, workers have a variety of responsibilities and myriad opportunities to learn.

Written by Mary K. Pratt24 June 14 00:09

Best Places spotlight: Problem-solving is Job 1 at Janney Montgomery Scott

The 91 IT workers at Janney Montgomery Scott have delivered big in recent years. Their recent work includes a new dashboard for financial advisers, the complete replacement of the firm's data centers and the implementation of VoIP communication systems.

Written by Mary K. Pratt23 June 14 23:56

Best Places spotlight: Top benefits and perks keep Clearlink staffers happy

Because technology drives this content marketing and sales conversion company, Clearlink CTO Bruce Westenskow puts a premium on keeping its 30 IT workers happy. "I believe you create the right experience and environment, and you'll create a culture that will naturally drive the results you're after," he says.

Written by Mary K. Pratt23 June 14 23:53

The Internet of Things figures into this IT leader's five-year plan

When Chris LeBeau stepped into the top IT position at Peoria, Ill.-based Advanced Technology Services (ATS) nearly two years ago, he formulated a clear objective for the IT division: putting the right technology tools and capabilities into the hands of the company's 3,000 employees to help them be more efficient and effective.

Written by Mary K. Pratt23 June 14 23:46

University CIO helps boost graduation rates with analytics

Brian A. Haugabrook, interim CIO at Valdosta State University in Georgia, deployed analytics tools that enable faculty and staff to identify students who need extra help. The effort paid off with higher graduation rates.

Written by Mary K. Pratt09 June 14 20:36

Test number 2

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Written by Mary K. Pratt22 May 14 20:07

Healthcare CIO Edward Marx: IT ROI is measured in lives saved

Edward W. Marx focuses on technology's power to transform the healthcare industry. As senior vice president and CIO at Texas Health Resources in Arlington, Marx has led numerous IT-enabled transformative initiatives aimed at improving patient health. Those projects include using social media to connect with the local community and implementing BI tools to deliver advanced clinical care.

Written by Mary K. Pratt20 May 14 00:02

Whirlpool CIO moves 69,000 global employees to Google Apps

Whirlpool CIO Mike Heim is taking IT, and all the other business units, in a new direction. Heim is moving the company, with its 69,000 global employees, to http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9247616/4_things_to_do_now_to_get_ready_for_the_Internet_of_Things?. He says the move could transform how Whirlpool employees get work done by increasing real-time collaboration. Indeed, he sees the potential for IT-driven transformation in other areas, too. Here Heim, who joined Whirlpool in May 2012 after 33 years at pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, shares his ideas on leading IT through change.

Written by Mary K. Pratt05 May 14 23:46
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