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THE NEW ROLE OF INFORMATION FOR DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS
Introduction
The Goal - Transforming Enterprise Information Management Capabilities High Value Information Infrastructure Projects Enter new markets with new products and services Compliance and security projects Unexpected efficiency increases Conclusion From the Gartner Files: Invest in Storage Professional Services, Not More Hardware About Us 
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Introduction Despite economic concerns, the amount of information managed by most organizations continues to grow in double digit percentages. The potential value of information is growing, too, and may be the key to bringing organizations out of recession. Organizations that are able to invest wisely in information infrastructure enhancement projects are likely to be more efficient, competitive, and profitable as markets return to growth. The Value of Information
Consumers and businesses today have access to unprecedented amounts of information. Information is available faster, from more sources, on more types of devices, and in more meaningful formats. Information has the potential to improve living standards and make businesses more successful. Many businesses and governments are counting on the creative use of information to steer them out of recession with new products and services, and improved efficiency. In short, information is an inexhaustible resource that is transforming the way we live and work.
Today's Unique Challenges
For most businesses and governments, current economic conditions require a cautious approach to advancing information technology. At the onset of a recession, cash preservation is the top business priority. As soon as markets stabilize, though, the best investment opportunities typically appear. Organizations that have preserved their cash and borrowing power can be the first to adopt new business models and develop products that fit the new economic realities. Navigating volatile economic times requires close collaboration between business and IT leaders to strike the right balance between investments and results. IT investments improve operating expenses and create new revenue opportunities, but generally require capital expenditures for new hardware, software and services.
IT pros have been used to hearing user demands forever. But this is different. IT has to make the business different and better. That's a huge challenge. The next few years will pose a severe test for IT organizations, which have to deliver business transformation while cutting costs.
Gartner, Roundup of Business Intelligence and Information Management Research, 4Q08 / Bill Hostmann / 24 December 2008 Ideally, initial investments reduce operating expenses enough to fund follow on projects. For example, a large multinational bank was able to deploy a data deduplication solution in 2008 for less than the usual annual expansion of their tape infrastructure. Savings from the deduplication solution funded a 2009 plan to replace old tape technology with new, high-efficiency tape libraries; expected to result in a 4:1 reduction in data center floor space and reductions in power and cooling costs. This is an example of an ROI-based IT optimization roadmap focused on driving down operating expenses while increasing capacity and service levels. In hindsight, the solution seems obvious, but planning required the full cooperation of business and IT leaders. The good news is: Yes, it can be done. Source: IBM
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