`You can't view IT as an optional extra anymore'; Ford used to depend on outside IT experts; CIO Marv Adams is bringing them in-house.(Information Technology)

Byline: Lillie Guyer

Marv Adams has chalked up serious accomplishments since joining Ford Motor Co. as its chief information officer three years ago.

Adams' charge is to create simplified, robust global programs that let Ford (ford.com) respond nimbly as market conditions change.

Integration - from suppliers to business solution programs - is no stranger to Adams, who held top posts at IBM, Xerox and Bank One.

Unlike General Motors' fully outsourced IT efforts, Adams has focused on bringing Ford's IT operations back in-house. His staff consists of 2,600 people in North America. Globally, it totals 4,000.

"Our whole philosophy is to …