In reality, today's CIO walks a very fine line as a leader and must embrace both concepts. Topping off the challenges facing today's CIO is the need for speed and the ability to make fast changes while managing risk. The New Economy is based on information and knowledge. There is no middle person and no middle ground.
Products go directly from concepts to consumers.
The New Economy is instantly global, with no parochial strategy. In reality, these principles are more vivid and critical than ever before. The customer still holds all the cards. Those companies that best understand their customers' needs win. Successful e-commerce models must understand customers' stated and unstated needs.