24 December 2007

Season's greetings

Season's greetings to everyone. Best wishes for 2008.

This year has been an exciting year for records managers. 2008 promises to be even livelier.

I'm looking forward to grappling with the challenge of Web2.0 technologies. There's lots to do, learn and share. And it's all very exciting. But I think those who predict the rise and rise of Web2.0 and the demise of EDRM systems are a little premature. Having said that, EDRM systems have to evolve to take Web2.0 technologies on board. I'm really looking for seamless integration in my intelligent office.

There is absolutely no way that government departments (whether central, local or NHS) can glibly allow the mass availability of sensitive data. We've got to think about how best we can share information with each other where we can, but keep information confidential where we must.

There's probably a growing need for a shared services initiative. Rather than have a series of independent, isolated EDRM systems we ought to look at how we can share data easily across the web but keep the personal and the sensitive protected. This is more likely to be achieved through the access rights protections of an EDRM system than the free-for-all of Web2.0.

I hate seeing headlines like these...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7158688.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7127951.stm

...so what can we do? Well, as records managers we undoubtedly have a duty of care and that necessarily includes looking at new ways of doing things. We have a lot to consider and 2008 should be the year we all get together to examine how we can best solve the problems we face.

The answer is likely to include new technology; whether it is Web2.0 or interlinked yet independent EDRM systems is debateable. But we also need to get good Information Governance on the agendas of our senior managers.

Yes, 2008 promises to be a lively year.

Best wishes for a healthy, happy and successful year to you all.

Red Kite in Chester.

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