The Advisory Council - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who created The Advisory Council and why?
A: A group of top CIOs and IT leaders created The Advisory Council to provide a cost effective alternative to traditional research and expensive consulting firms. The Advisory Council was designed to provide custom answers to IT questions, from senior IT experts.

Q: We already use Gartner, why do we need TAC?
A: Gartner provides an excellent library of research, but they do not provide custom written advice in context to your business. TAC Personal Advisory Reports give you a valuable customized second opinion to the generic research you get from Gartner.

Q: We already use a peer networking group, why do we need TAC?
A: Peer networking groups offer an excellent forum to share ideas and best practices. Although this is helpful, our experts are chosen for their depth of knowledge in particular fields of IT. We can provide the detailed responses you need to be successful.

Q: How can you give us custom-written responses from top experts at a fraction of what traditional research organizations charge?
A: Instead of having a large group of junior researchers in house, we have an expansive network of senior experts under contract. This not only gives us access to some of the best minds in IT, it also keeps our costs far lower than traditional research groups.

Q: What exactly is a PAR?
A: A Personal Advisory Report is an approximately 1000-word custom written response that gives an answer to your question, and provides the information needed to act on it.
Click here for a sample PAR

Q: What do we do when a PAR isn’t enough?
A: TAC offers extended PAR service for situations which are beyond the scope of a PAR, either 1) because more than a few hours of Expert research time is required, or 2) because multiple Experts are required to provide a satisfactory answer. Questions of a benchmarking nature usually require a custom consulting engagement because of the extensive research required.

Q: What is the TAC SmartGrid?
A: Since every IT decision affects the business, the TAC SmartGrid addresses the implications of your question as it relates to these four categories:

Alignment: Aligning IT strategy, organization, architecture, infrastructure and applications with the needs of the business.

Cost Reduction: Strategies and tactics for saving money within the IT organization.

Organization: Organizational, management and change issues and implications surrounding technology decisions.

Technology: Selecting the appropriate technologies for the specific situation.

Q: What is the turn-around time for a PAR? An expert call?
A: PARs have a standard turn-around time of three business days. For expert calls, you will be contacted within one business day to establish a mutually agreeable time for the call.

Q: What are the qualifications needed to be a TAC expert?
A: Just having twenty years of experience in IT is not enough. TAC experts have in-depth knowledge in specific fields of IT. Our expert network is our most important resource. We pride ourselves on having the broadest range of coverage in the IT advisory industry, and top experts in each field.
Click here to see a selection of expert bios.

Q: Can I get on-site consulting from TAC experts?
A: If, after a PAR or phone consultation, you feel the need to have the expert come on-site and work with your team to accomplish a specific goal, it can be arranged. We make sure that our on-site consulting services are clearly defined and focused on accomplishing the designated task.

Q: What do you mean by "custom" responses?
A: Each client faces unique challenges and problems, we take the time and effort to understand each one intimately. Using your business profile we have a window into your business. We profile your IT environment and organizational structure so we can answer questions in the context of your business. Our reputation is built on our personal touch and professionalism.

Q: How does The Advisory Council help my career?
A: TAC goes beyond answering your technical questions to address the business issues behind them. By proving the value of IT to your business you advance your position in the company. The Advisory Council also holds regional CIO events where you can network with your peers and keep up-to-date on industry trends.

Q: Where do I sign up?
A: Thank you for your interest in The Advisory Council. To become a TAC client call (203) 750-8222 or email sales@tacadvisory.com to speak with one of our account representatives.