Enterprise Storage Solutions For Data & Document Management Information access will define the winners in the new millennium By Bryan Foertsch, Founder and Managing Principal The Omni Group Information today is one of the most critical assets of any company large or small. The challenge for each enterprise is to develop information facilities that will enable each individual to gain quick and accurate access to the information they need to perform their specific work. We chose the title "Enterprise Storage Solutions for Data & Document Management" for this set of white papers because it typifies what is happening today in enterprises around the globe. For years we have had the luxury of access to reams of data that was stored on various data-processing systems. These data-processing systems were, for the most part, separate and dedicated systems designed to solve specific problems. Today, the environment has changed dramatically. No longer are standalone point solutions as acceptable as they once were. Computing has changed dramatically over the years The centralized computing era that began in the '60s and dominated for 20 years was pronounced dead by some in the mid-1980s. However, mainframe or host computing systems still remain today around the world that continue to operate as mission-critical enterprise systems. Their functions have changed somewhat from the centralized computing facility to more of an information repository, but they are unmistakably there and will remain for the foreseeable future. In the mid-1980s, desktop decision support was one of the hottest technologies, as it allowed individual users access to tools that they could customize on their desktop. Spreadsheets and database applications provided a means for everyone with a PC to make better decisions because they could manipulate specific information in any manner they wished. Although this was a true advance in user productivity, the information was mostly confined to whatever was available on the user's specific personal computer or workstation. With the advent of true client-server technology, enterprisewide information systems are now a reality. The desktop software tools for the individual user have improved immensely over the past 10 years, and coupled with the enhancements of networking technology, information workers are now in a position to gain access to whatever information they need to do their jobs. The Internet and intranets are becoming a common tool around the globe. The real challenge now is to provide easy-to-use access tools to whatever information is needed, regardless of the form or the source of that information. Data types are becoming contiguous Attacking the entire enterprise to coordinate all information is a monumental task. As you read through the articles in this document, you will find varied ways of solving information storage and access problems. Solutions include such technologies as computer output to laser or magneto-optical disc (COLD), hierarchical storage management (HSM), digital archiving, microfilm digitizing, as well as enterprisewide document and workflow management. Each article provides a different slant on solving the problems that enterprise executives must address if they are to remain competitive into the future. No longer is a single approach to managing the enterprise information assets a viable alternative. Today, paper documents, information from EDI systems, microfilm and microfiche, graphics, audio and full-motion video are among the information sets that users require to cost-effectively perform their work. As the amount of information grows, the costs in both time and labor to access information of all types are increasing. Studies have shown that less than 25% of information is stored in some form of computer-accessible format. That leaves 75% or more data that requires manual search-and-retrieval processes that are time-consuming and highly error-prone. Additionally, the information that our systems must store and retrieve is projected to grow at a compound rate in excess of 50%. If the information enterprise is to survive, it must get control of the information explosion before the problem becomes insurmountable. Utilize new and existing tools to build your enterprise solution It is apparent that the current trends lead us to establish a methodical approach to developing an enterprise storage strategy. Many factors must be considered if your strategy is to provide a flexible system for the future. Developing an enterprise storage strategy is perhaps the most complex task that an information management organization can ever undertake. We hope that this white paper helps you in the process. We are extremely proud of the sponsors of this paper. They have dedicated their efforts to providing solution-oriented information that will prove valuable to every reader in better understanding the issues and selecting the best solutions for developing an enterprise storage strategy. Bryan Foertsch is the founder of The Omni Group and is the managing principal. The Omni Group is a management consulting organization focused on providing industry information to the user community, as well as providing strategic management direction in mergers and acquisitions. The Omni Group can be reached at 408-395-5751 or via e-mail, BRYANF007@aol.com.
	TOP OF PAGE		HOME ++ SEARCH IW ++ DAILY NEWSWIRE ++ CURRENT PUBLICATIONS ++ ABOUT IW BUYER'S GUIDE ++ DIIME ++ SUBSCRIBE ++ COMMENTS
	© 1995, 1996, 1997 Cardinal Business Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The names, logos and icons identifying CBMÆs products and services are proprietary marks of Cardinal Business Media, Inc. CBM has no liability for content or goods on the Internet except as set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Service.