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The ability to rapidly disseminate information worldwide is the basis of CNN's entire business. Over the next few years, CNN is converting its news archive, containing video of 21 years of significant news events, into a digital library. This online digital library provides producers and journalists clear advantages in speed and flexibility. By converting 120,000 hours of video from tape reels to digital format, staffers can quickly search and retrieve news footage from their desktops anywhere in the world. In contrast, locating video clips from tape reels requires time-consuming manual searching at headquarters, and must be physically sent out if needed at remote locations.

With digital content, staffers can edit, add new content, collaborate on stories and then distribute their work electronically worldwide. The digital library becomes a virtual file cabinet for working journalists and producers. Just as important, CNN's archive of historic news events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the millennium celebrations, can be preserved for the future, and no longer subject to deterioration as tape reels are.

Here are three proven strategies that can help companies capitalize on their data:

   •First, integrate all systems, and be certain critical information is digitized, so employees can access every form of content, and share it wherever it is stored. The Coca-Cola Company, for example, is integrating graphic images, video and text documents to create a comprehensive archive of all its advertising and marketing programs.

  •Second, use open computing standards so systems operate on any vendor's server platforms, database systems or content repositories. "Open" means being able to use off-the-shelf applications, or legacy systems, which provides maximum flexibility to add to systems as business needs evolve without being locked into using any one product or vendor.

  •Third, be certain systems are robust to manage all current content, as well as accommodate future volume, while maintaining fast response times.