Information Management i det nye informasjonslandskapet

We are constantly, and in new situations, facing an increasing volume of digital information. This is shaping the new information landscape. At occasions, this new information is, in quality, totally different from the information we are used to find in our IT-systems. In consequence we should relate to, navigate and exploit this information in different ways. Also, the task of "information management" (IM) is changing. The purpose of "information management" is to assist in decision making for an organization to better perform according to its intentions. A concern for information overload is at the same time a concern for an insufficient or inadequate "information management" function. The new information landscape is mainly shaped by two factors: (1) increased production of information and (2) increased sharing of information. In general, some of the properties of the information in the new information landscape are: more data, more details, from more sources, not-for-purpose, greater variation in quality and integrity, less structured. New elements, like disruptive technologies and user generated content, may provide information that “does not fit”. We may quickly experience information with qualities and properties that does not match what is expected by existing and incorporated processes and procedures, and expected by and incorporated in existing IT-systems. As a consequence of the properties of the information in the new information landscape we picture an increased importance of availability. At the same time, relaxed integrity and confidentiality constraints may be appropriate. Pull is an approach fit to handle uncertainty and increasing complexity. Also, in the portfolio of information mastery mechanisms, technological post-filters will be important. Investments in these areas may quickly be returned by better and more efficient management of information, but also as enabling technology and incubator for new information products. These new tools, like for example a mashup-framework, should find its way to the information infrastructure. We will need to manage information intensive environments and it will be necessary to develop new information mastery mechanisms in different areas. In this report we look at this challenge and sketch possible solutions. We should make sure we do not end up omitting sharing information due to a concern for information overload and exhausted information managers.