Information Management - I actually like this “new” term
I usually cringe every time a new buzzword is created in IT that is essentially a rebranding of an existing topic. This is primarily done by new and existing vendors so they can sell their solutions. While I understand the practice I think an unfortunate byproduct (or maybe in some cases intented byproduct) is added confusion.
So a few days back I received the new DM Review in the mail except it was no longer called DM Review. It is now called Information Management. Part of me was initially thinking here we go again but while this is not a new term I actually really like the change for the magazine. I also like the term as a much better way to describe all the various components including but not limited to business intelligence, data warehousing, data integration, data quality, data management, and so on. They are all aspects of the same thing which is to bring more value to consumers of data/information.
There are some really good quotes on the editorial page by Jim Ericson, editorial director, that I want to share.
“Information Management has become the best overarching term to describe the gathering, managing, disseminating, leveraging, and disposing of all types of information assets within an organization. We believe this term best sums up the very topics our readers are increasingly drawn to and aware of.” - No argument from me here. I like it!
“…we are moving away from networks of applications and datbases toward a model of overlapping networks of applications and databases toward a model of overlapping networks of information within and outside the walls of the organization. Whether massive data warehouses, common documents or email, digital assets, records, warranties, contracts or Web pages, these networks are increasingly relevant to IT, executives and information workers as keys to success in the new world of business.”- Again, I like it. I would argue though that this is not a new concept or a new world of business. I said things along these lines a few years back. My belief is that people are getting fed up with all the myriad applications that are in organizations and are finally speaking out that the common denominator is the data as it always has been. There are most definitely some awesome new concepts and technologies in applications that really help but I stick to my thought that the delay in this realization is due more from myopic oriented people within organizations who only care about their piece of the puzzle than application technology catching up.
“Quality information is now a requirement for optimizing our work and identifying new business paths.” - Hasn’t quality information always been a requirement? Data quality is, was, and will always be super subjective so it is always a new requirement. A better approach is to maybe just come to peace that 100% quality data is impossible so remember data and data analysis is part of the toolbox, not the silver bullet.
“…outcomes in our working and private lives are being decided by our ability to meet information needs.”- For sure. Again, though life since we know it has always been based on a human’s ability to process information.
“Data management and integration, data quality, business intelligence, data warehousing, and other familiar topics remain underpenetrated and long-term problem areas of business. These are all key subsets of information management as we see it.” - Agree!
“Finally, while information management is a defined space, we do not consider it a unified practice, nor do we believe it will be unified anytime soon. Instead, we see our new title as a series of related undertakings: programs, strategies, and tactics involving people, process, and technologies.” - Really like this one. All of us in this field need to take a more systematic view of our environments and really appreciate ALL the impacting factors.
“In information management , the greatest challenge lies not in technology - which performs largely as advertised - but in the underlying policies and business processes that have limited the success of projects and programs.” - Again, agree 1000%. I was a firm believer 17 years ago when I entered IT and I sill am today that technology will NEVER make or break a project, but people ALWAYS will. Obviously technology is very important but solving people puzzles never gets the respect it should in tech oriented fields.
Matt
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