THE DIGITAL age is generating increased levels of information that can be overwhelming if not properly managed and it is everyone's responsibility to take this onboard - both businesses and those in the public sector. In fact Government needs to look at technology as the 5th Infrastructure after road, rail, sea and air and realise that attention to this will ensure both citizens and businesses can take advantage of technological innovations as they come through, thereby increasing efficiency and competitiveness.

The problem has not been helped by the design of traditional IT systems, which deliver messages into several different places - voicemail systems & e-mail servers for example - making it a challenge for businesses to manage the numerous communication channels. But newer technologies can help address such problems by ensuring that all types of electronic communications are stored in one system. Voicemail messages, for example, can be delivered directly into your inbox. They can be made available alongside your e-mail, offering powerful new ways to collaborate and communicate more effectively. You can even take notes in your voicemail message, or search for old voicemail messages.

Raymond O'Hare Regional Director Microsoft Scotland