A fractional CIO is an experienced technology executive who works with your company on a part-time or contract basis, providing strategic IT leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. You get the same expertise and accountability — at a fraction of the overhead.

A managed service provider (MSP) handles day-to-day IT operations: helpdesk, device management, network monitoring. Aeolus operates at the strategic level — technology roadmap, vendor selection, M&A readiness, board reporting. Most Aeolus clients already have an MSP; Aeolus manages and holds them accountable.

A full-time CIO costs $250,000–$400,000+ in salary and benefits. Aeolus delivers the same strategic capability at a monthly retainer — typically 20–30% of the cost. For companies that don't yet need a full-time technology executive, it's the right tool for the stage.

Primarily companies with $5M–$100M in revenue that are scaling, preparing for a transaction, or facing institutional review. The practice is built around the moment when technology stops being a support function and starts being a strategic variable.

Every engagement starts with a current-state assessment: what does the technology environment actually look like, where are the gaps, and what needs to change? From there, Aeolus builds a roadmap and takes ownership of execution — vendor decisions, compliance posture, M&A readiness, and ongoing board reporting.