Who Remembers PC World Magazine?

While on an international assignment in Argentina, I conducted an interview with PC World magazine—a leading authority on personal computing and technology during its time.

PC World was a cornerstone in the technology publishing world, offering insights and guidance to millions of readers on the rapidly evolving landscape. Established in 1983, the magazine became a trusted source for everything from software reviews to in-depth industry analysis. Unfortunately, like many print publications, it ceased its print edition in 2013, transitioning to a digital-only format before eventually winding down. Reflecting on my interview with them reminds me of how pivotal that era was in shaping today’s digital economy.

Back in 2001, the Internet was experiencing explosive growth, and businesses around the globe were grappling with the challenges and opportunities that came with it. E-business was not merely a trend; it was a transformative force that was fundamentally changing how companies operated. At Citi, we were at the forefront of this transformation, pioneering efforts to bring traditional businesses online as part of our broader strategic vision. When asked about it, I said, "Bringing traditional businesses to the Internet is part of our overall strategy."

The concept of "e-business" was still relatively new, yet it was clear that the Internet was rapidly becoming the most efficient way to conduct business. Companies were recognizing the need to digitize their operations—not just as an option, but as a necessity to stay competitive. For Citi, this meant more than just creating an online presence. It involved a comprehensive approach to connecting, transforming, and extending our services through the Internet.

In this 2001 interview, I discussed how Citi was leveraging its global presence and trusted brand to provide integrated financial and commercial solutions through e-banking. We recognized that the Internet Boom required new strategies—ones that could adapt to the fast-paced changes in technology and consumer behavior. Citi’s approach was multifaceted. It involved connecting our services with clients via digital channels, transforming our processes to be more efficient, and extending our market reach by investing in new technologies and resources.

At the time, the term "e-business" encapsulated the digitization of operations in a way that provided customers with a seamless, integrated experience—far beyond what traditional banking had offered. This was not just about putting services online; it was about rethinking how we could better serve our clients in an increasingly connected world. For example, we were introducing solutions like CitiCommerce and Citi e-procurement, which were cutting-edge concepts back then but are now standard in today’s financial landscape.

In Latin America, where I was leading the charge in e-business solutions as Chief Information Officer and Head of Strategy, we established a regional office in Argentina and deployed teams across 22 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, ensuring that we could support our clients as they navigated the digital transformation. Our efforts were not limited to providing technology; they were about offering comprehensive, secure, and accessible solutions that addressed the specific needs of our clients in the region.

The early 2000s were a time of market correction, where many companies were consolidating and adapting to the new realities of the Bricks and Clicks economy. It was a period that required careful navigation and strategic foresight. At Citi, we saw this as an opportunity to strengthen our leadership in financial services by embracing e-business as a core component of our strategy.

Looking back, it’s clear that the decisions and strategies we implemented during that time laid the groundwork for much of what is now standard in digital banking. The Internet has indeed become the most efficient channel for delivering economic and commercial opportunities, and I’m proud to have been part of that journey.

As we continue to advance in the digital age, the lessons from that era remain relevant. Businesses must continuously adapt, innovate, and leverage technology to meet the evolving needs of their customers. At Citi, our commitment to integrating traditional business with digital innovation remains as strong as ever, ensuring that we continue to lead in this ever-changing landscape.