DURHAM – IT budgets are often the last to get funded, and the first to get cut in tough times. For small to mid-sized companies that can’t afford a chief information officer (CIO) full-time, it means leaving potential revenue streams on the table.

But not anymore, says Walter Pinson, Smashing Boxes’ president and chief operations officer.

The Durham-based software development firm is launching its own CIO service line to provide “all the benefits of a full-time CIO at a fraction of the cost.”

Numerous firms have offered similar services for chief financial officers. But a CIO offering couldn’t come at a more opportune time.

The pandemic has triggered a digital transformation, Pinson says, forcing most companies to focus on their technology and IT strategies.

“For many, growth is not the primary concern – it’s survival,” said Pinson, in a statement. “That is why we think that now is a perfect time to introduce this to the marketplace.”

“Over the years,” he adds, “we have come to realize that there is a sweet spot in the business lifecycle where a CIO could help a company accelerate growth, but the company is not quite ready to fund another full-time executive.”

To fill that gap, Smashing Boxes has set up a site where a company founder can schedule a free consultation and pick from four different plans: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, ranging from 130 to 520 hours of service.

As part of the package, the CIO advisor will evaluate and provide a GAP analysis of current IT operations.

“That will support the development of a comprehensive technology strategy and budget that will transform the way small and medium sized enterprises succeed,” the company says.

Founded in 2010, Smashing Boxes has become one of the fastest growing private companies in the Triangle, according to Inc 5000.