Information management

Information management (IM) refers to the process of collecting, storing, managing and maintaining information in all its forms. Information management involves the use of technologies and strategies to manage the collection, processing, and delivery of information throughout an organization.

Overview

Information management is a broad term that incorporates policies and procedures for managing information, whether in physical or digital format. The goal of information management is to ensure that information is accessible to the right people at the right time, and that it is accurate, reliable, and relevant.

History

The concept of information management has been in existence for several decades, with the advent of computer technology in the 1960s providing a significant boost to the development of information management systems. The term "information management" was first used in a 1974 report by the National Science Foundation.

Principles

There are several key principles of information management. These include:

• Information is an asset: Information is a valuable resource that should be managed like any other asset.
• Information is shared: Information should be shared and made accessible to all relevant individuals and departments within an organization.
• Information is dynamic: Information is constantly changing and evolving, and information management systems must be able to adapt to these changes.
• Information is secure: Information must be protected from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

Information Management Systems

An Information Management System (IMS) is a software system for organizing and retrieving data. It is a database and transaction management system that was first introduced by IBM in 1968. IMS is one of the oldest database systems and is still in use today.

Challenges

There are several challenges associated with information management. These include:

• Data quality: Ensuring that data is accurate, reliable, and relevant.
• Data security: Protecting data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.
• Data integration: Combining data from different sources into a unified view.
• Data governance: Establishing policies and procedures for managing data.

See also

• Data management
• Knowledge management
• Information technology
• Information system
• Database management system