[ 12 March 2002 ] “Better Information Access : Simplify Information Management”

CommerceNet Singapore (CNSG) Aretae, SUN Microsystems and Frontline organised a Breakfast Forum on Tuesday, 12 March 2002 at the Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore. The theme for the Forum was “Better Information Access : Simplify Information Managemen”. About 50 participants attended the forum.

The information age is characterized by overwhelming data all over the place. Data is found everywhere, internal and external to an organization. The organization that is able to assimilate all these data into useful information gains useful insights, and using these insights to act effectively will improve business performance and leapfrog its competition.

Assimilating and integrating all these data throughout enterprise has always been a challenge for IT managers. When the data has been integrated, a strategy is also needed to manage the information derived from these data so that business advantage could be achieved. Specifically, the better quality information could be exploited to offer new and innovative services to increase revenue streams, to improve relationship with customers and partners, or to streamline internal processes and reduce costs.

Mr. Philip Ng is Director of Strategic Practice Development, Asia South, Sun Microsystems spoke on “Simplify & Gear Your Company for Recovery”. He discussed the various business challenges in the net economy and the IT Strategy in a slow economy. Mr Ng highlighted the recoveries in IT spending. He went on to stress that Consolidating onto Industry Standards is the Means to achieve cost-savings and Investment Protection as companies gear up for recovery. He also spoke on the business, cost and IT benefits. He suggested strategies to simplify the process and spoke on Sun’s commitment to the investment protection and strategies.

The next speaker, Mr Sim Peng Yong, Director, Enterprise Information Management, Aretae spoke on “Better Information Access, Simplifying Information Management”. Mr Sim discussed the need for better information in the Supply Chain Management / Inventory Management, Customer Relationship Management and Patient Management. He discussed the difficulties in getting “Better” Information and stated the Traditional Approach. He introduced Metamatrix, a unique Technology in an emerging space. He also spoke on the typical implementation of data warehouses. He went on to give participants a demo of the technology.