Poor governance threatens data centres

Almost half of organisations lack basic management information and processes to ensure efficient running of their data centres, according to a survey by Aperture Research Institute, reports Computer World.

The research revealed 49% of those surveyed are not able to track physical changes in their data centre, including space, power and cooling.

Aperture Research Institute, which specialises in data centre research, said one reason for this lack of basic management information was the slow implementation of Information Technology Infrastructure Library.

The IT Governance Institute will create a new certification programme covering IT governance, reports CBR Online.

By the end of next year, the group plans to have a battery of exams in place, and will formalise requirements for certification.

According to John Lainhart, a partner for IBM Global Business Services and a past president of parent organisation Information Systems Audit and Control Association, the goal is to formally professionalise the discipline of IT governance.

IBM recently unveiled its strategy, as well as new technologies and services, to address the world's growing need for improved IT governance and risk management, a market expected to exceed $30 billion by 2008, reports Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Journal.

IT governance and risk management is quickly rising to the top of the agenda for global business leaders.

Recent IBM surveys indicate 43% of CFOs believe that improving governance, compliance and risk management is their top challenge, while 64% of CIOs see security compliance and data protection as one of the most significant challenges facing IT organisations.