As I.T sweeps across the globe, many companies are leveraging their business on it to create real value and realise their business strategies. Businesses will become more "data-driven and I.T dependent". This spells the need to have impeccable data management that will form the bedrock of a sound infrastructure in which enterprise wide technology solutions can be built on. However, sound database management is not the only pillar of strength, one must also take into consideration issues like the Web and optimal networking for enhanced results and value added solutions.

Successful business intelligence is dependent on how well a database is built, maintained and utilised. A database is well built if it can capture the realism of business intended goals. This is not an easy task as organisations are getting more complex and databases must find the right combination of new technologies (the Web, intelligent software, networks etc) to realise synergies. For example, business rules are particularly crucial in database management as they dictate business policy and aid in the decision making process. In designing databases, business rules are needed to define or constraint some aspect of business and it aids in controlling or influencing the behaviour of business. "Given the direct cause-and-effect relationship between a company's information systems and its competitive agility", a well designed database can augment business profitability.

In this article, the Internet is perceived as a necessary catalyst for the effective and efficient transfer of information. Web enabled databases are perceived to provide greater accessibility to corporate data at low costs but with security concerns. With security concerns over valuable information, private networks are an alternative as they allow more secure transfer of information and customisation of interface applications to suit preferences. Networks can also promote effective data warehousing applications with dedicated database servers or Internet servers that give the organisation better control over their information resources.

In conclusion, sound databases, value-added networks and the Internet can aid in rapid and cost effective deployment of enhanced enterprise solutions (datawarehouses, ERP's, e-commerce) that help companies realise their strategies. The knowledge based economy has driven information needs to become the lifeblood of an organisation, and successful companies are those that have had the foresight to invest having these information resources systems online and performing optimally. "Organisations that want to compete in the new millennium must embrace an enterprise management strategy that unites their business processes and relevant information with the appropriate technology solutions."