By Tony Lock
Management Summary
Business people from organisations of all sizes agree that the information they hold on their computer systems forms part of the crown jewels of the enterprise. But while the importance of business information is almost universally recognised, few organisations have enjoyed either the time or the resources required to ensure that the data they store across an expanding range of computer systems is adequately protected. At the same time, significant numbers of organisations recognise they could exploit the information they hold more effectively.
In today’s business climate the importance of managing information in a dynamic environment is growing daily, although few organisations have been willing or able to tackle the challenge. Data protection capabilities in many organisations operate the way they do because ‘that’s the way they have always worked’. But as external regulation of data storage increases and as organisations seek to utilise new technologies, such as mobile solutions, and incorporate flexible working practices into their environments, the time has come to improve how data is managed and protected. Fortunately the technology to help to do so is maturing nicely, but ‘people’ related issues must also be addressed.
