CIO. TBM helps CIOs translate tech spending to business outcomes

IT is evolving faster than ever – with cloud costs rising, AI projects exploding, and every team from finance to ops demanding more value from technology. For CIOs, the challenge isn’t just managing complexity – it’s proving ROI.

As IT spending climbs, so do the expectations. CIO recently covered how major organizations – from MasterCard to the U.S. Army – are turning to Technology Business Management (TBM), a framework that connects IT budgets to business outcomes.

CIO writes that TBM gives CIOs the common language they need

While many touted TBM’s advantages, Hiswai.com founder and long-time fractional CTO of 555vCTO.com Vaclav Vincalek says CIOs often struggle to justify big tech investments – especially when the business sees IT as a cost center. TBM provides a shared framework so CIOs, CFOs, and business leads can finally speak the same language.

“IT teams should learn what the customer truly requires and how best to serve them,” Vincalek told CIO Magazine in its article.

Frameworks like TBM give leaders the visibility they need

CIO’s article goes on to say that MasterCard’s tech team uses TBM to align every IT decision to business goals – especially as they invest in AI and virtualization. UPS and KUOG are also on board, saying TBM has helped them prioritize what tech gets funded and what gets sunset.

And it’s not just the private sector. CIO mentions the U.S. Army, and that it uses TBM to guide its contract and budget strategy – critical when public dollars are involved.

Why TBM is gaining momentum in 2025

According to the TBM Council, 90% of IT leaders expected a budget increase in 2025. But with bigger budgets comes more scrutiny. Stakeholders want answers. Why fund that AI project instead of a sales team hire? Why spin up another cloud instance? TBM helps leaders justify those calls – and optimize them over time.

Still, TBM isn’t for everyone.

Vincalek cautions that TBM shouldn’t be used to retroactively justify IT spend. Start with the business outcome first, then select the tech to deliver it, he says.

Looking to make your IT spend work harder?

So TBM or other frameworks? At 555vCTO.com, we work with organizations to scale infrastructure that meets business strategy needs. 

Our team helps CIOs and CTOs identify the right tools to increase visibility, forecast spend, and demonstrate real ROI – especially as new pressures like AI and energy usage become top-line concerns.

Need a second opinion before your next big tech investment? Let’s talk. Reach out to the advisors at 555vCTO.com today.