The lack of trusted information - information that is accurate, timely and relevant - is on the minds of CEOs and senior executives around the world. The cost and complexity of managing increasing volumes of data and content, combined with the need to provide trusted information to every user for every transaction, is driving CIOs to rethink their approach to information delivery.
January 2008
The new information agenda:
do you have one?
Information AgendaThe new information agenda: do you have one?Page 2
The lack of trusted information-information that is accurate, timely and Contents relevant-is on the minds of CEOs and senior executives around the world. The cost and complexity of managing increasing volumes of data and content, 3 The need for trusted combined with the need to provide trusted information to every user for every information transaction, is driving CIOs to rethink their approach to information delivery. 5 A new approach-the What is required is a paradigm shift from siloed organizational information information agenda fiefdoms to the design and deployment of an enterprisewide information 11 Turning vision into reality infrastructure. Without it, companies will continue to struggle in reaching the 15 IBM can help ultimate goal of optimizing business through advanced use of information.15 Conclusion and next steps CIOs now have access to a new strategy, planning and implementation approach for turning trusted information from a vision into a reality: the information agenda. An information agenda serves as both strategy and tactical roadmap, bringing together the people, processes and technology necessary to transform increasing volumes of information into a strategic, trusted business asset.
This white paper defines the information agenda; describes key considerations and best practices in creating and implementing an information agenda; and sets forth how IBM can help you to deliver trusted information enterprisewide.The new information agenda: do you have one?Page 3
Highlights "Accurate, integrated and up-to-date information is vital for efficient operations management. We realized we could no longer afford to work with data that was siloed in different parts of the organization. We needed an IT infrastructure that enables collaboration and supports optimum performance at every link of our value chain." Dr. Anusorn Sangnimnuan, President of the Bangchak Petroleum Pcl.
The need for trusted informationAs market pressures increase, organizations are looking for ways to harness Trusted information can be more than an internal asset- information as a strategic asset. When treated as such, information becomes a it can also be an important significant competitive differentiator. All too often, however, this information competitive advantage. is inconsistent, out of date, incomplete or simply not available when and where it is needed most. The effects of this information misalignment can be felt throughout the organization in rising costs, inefficiencies and missed opportunities. A lack of trusted information can result in even more dire consequences. New products or business models executed on the basis of faulty information can result in costly failures.
These challenges are not new, but the need to address the problem is more pressing than ever before. Equally important, the ability to overcome these challenges and make timely, trusted information available has never been better. The new information agenda: do you have one?Page 4
Open standards (like XML and Web services) and flexible architectures Highlights (like Service Oriented Architecture, or SOA) have both matured and gained critical support in the industry to the point where they provide real value in the context of providing trusted information. Technologies such as master data management, information integration and data warehousing are available to deliver the capabilities required to deploy an enterprisewide, integrated Today's technologies make the software platform. Finally, market-leading companies have begun to deploy creation and maintenance of effective information agendas based on tried and proven best practices, help-trusted information more feasible ing them reduce risk, speed implementation and realize results faster.and cost-effective than ever before. Organizations that make the creation and delivery of trusted information a priority can be richly rewarded. The potential return on investments includes:
. Extended protection for existing investments in applications, middleware, systems and skills. Enhanced visibility, control and insight, enabling organizations to optimize their business processes more effectively The potential benefits of harnessing . Improved data governance and management... [download for more]
