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Is Real ILM Possible? (continued)

MDM offers an alternative technology solution. Banker is a proponent of MDM solutions, which go beyond ERP and CRM and represent the "newest attempt at achieving a single version of the truth," says Steve Banker, service director for the Arc Advisory Group, an analyst firm based in Denham, Massachusetts. The goal of MDM software is to collect all the different -- and frequently contradictory -- data that enterprises possess into a central repository. In short: if ILM represents the business processes, MDM is the technology that will get you there, says Baker.

Vendors producing MDM systems include Oracle, IBM and Informatica, among a host of others.

"We're just entering a time when ILM can be achieved based on these new technologies," Porter says, cautioning, however, that these products are largely 1. X versions, and enterprises need to do test installs and understand the vendors' roadmaps going forward before committing to a particular product.

Still, analysts say, as these technologies mature, ILM holds out significant promise for IT management.

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