Access to information has always been a source of empowerment. Think about being able to quickly pull up your medical records when you need care, staying up to date on local news that affects your community, or finding the data your team needs to finish a project on time. In each case, access to the right information at the right moment makes life easier and decisions smarter.
This idea is recognized globally each year on September 28, the International Day for Universal Access to Information — a reminder that when information is open and accessible, progress follows. At PC Corp, we participate in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) because we care about our community impact, and part of that is making sure people can harness information to make a difference for their neighbours.
While this occasion often focuses on governments and transparency, the same principle applies to every organization. Access to the right information at the right time is essential for thriving and success. And in 2025, smart IT solutions for Calgary businesses and beyond are what make that access secure, reliable, and possible. In this article, we break down actionable strategies you can use to achieve that.
The Key Principles of Making Information Accessible In 2025
So, what are the ingredients to keeping information accessible and available? Organizations and those publishing information need to focus on a few core ideas:
Strong Cybersecurity
Information isn’t truly accessible if it isn’t safe. Rising cyber threats, like ransomware and phishing, can lock down critical data and disrupt the systems that host key information. You need to prioritize protecting that infrastructure so it remains available to the people who need it.
Effective Data Governance and Organization
Even with the best systems in place, information that’s disorganized or siloed is as good as inaccessible. When you prioritize your data governance and keep your information properly structured, categorized, and searchable, people won’t waste time hunting for what they need. By applying consistent policies for storage and access, organizations can turn information into a usable asset rather than a hidden burden.
Appropriate Tools
When so much of today’s information exists online, accessing digital resources often comes down to having the right hardware in hand, like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. For example, technology access for job seekers is critical for their ability to find employment when listings and training exist on the internet.
Inclusive Design
As we just established, tools matters. Yet sometimes, the tools we use to access important resources creates barriers for people with certain disabilities or limitations. Designing IT solutions Calgary companies can rely on for different limitations will expand the reach of essential information.
Reliable Infrastructure
Even if a person has the right hardware, information access depends on networks that stay up and systems that perform consistently. That device needs to have a reliable, uninterrupted internet connection and power, and the data you need to access needs to be stored in a reliable data center too.
Five Practical Strategies to Improve Information Accessibility
Not sure where to begin when it comes to building an IT infrastructure that keeps information accessible? No need to tackle everything at once! Start with a few simple steps that will build momentum over time:
1. Audit Information Flow
Take stock of how information moves through your organization. Can the people in your community quickly find the files, data, or tools they need to do their jobs or use your service? Or are bottlenecks slowing down access? A regular audit will help you highlight gaps and determine the right IT solutions to address them.
2. Improve Permissions
Access isn’t one-size-fits-all. Too much restriction creates frustration, while too much openness creates risk. Review and adjust your permission structures so people have the right level of access, without putting sensitive information at risk.
3. Train Staff
Even the most reliable systems can fall short if people aren’t confident using them. Take time to teach your team how to share, store, and find information based on industry best practices. Ongoing training will help build good habits, reduce mistakes, and make everyone’s work a little easier.
4. Invest in Accessibility
Not every employee interacts with information the same way. Make sure your hardware and software choices include accessibility features that support different needs, whether users are neurodivergent, low vision, Deaf or have other access requirements.
5. Create a Robust Disaster Recovery Plan
Outages and unexpected events are bound to happen, but that doesn’t mean your information should go offline with them. A well-thought-out disaster recovery plan keeps your data accessible and your operations moving, even when things don’t go as planned.
The Role IT Plays in Empowering Information Access
These principles we’ve outlined — from strong cybersecurity to reliable infrastructure — don’t stand on their own. They come to life through the work of IT. Behind every secure system, every organized data set, and every accessible platform is an IT strategy and professionals applying their technical skills to make information usable. Here’s how your IT team can empower universal access within your organization and your community:
- Cloud Solutions & Mobility: Cloud services and mobile access give people the freedom to reach data and applications anytime, anywhere, whether it’s a remote worker logging in from home or a customer looking up information while on the go.
- Collaboration Platforms: Information often gets trapped in silos or lost in complicated storage environments. Tools like Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive break down those walls, especially when configured and protected by experts. People can share files, communicate in real time, and find information with fewer barriers.
- Identity & Access Management: Not every piece of data should be available to everyone. An IT professional can help you implement strong identity and access management (IAM) practices to keep sensitive information safe from unauthorized users and cyber threats that could disrupt access for everyone.
- Accessibility Standards: An IT professional can help you procure the technology and tools that work best for your users’ needs. They can also consult with you to develop broader organizational policies that ensure an overall accessible IT environment.
- Backup & Recovery: Even with the best protections, disruptions can happen. An IT professional can help you set up effective backup and recovery IT solutions. Even in the face of cyberattacks, outages, or hardware failures, organizations can restore access quickly and keep information available.
- Proactive Monitoring & Capacity Planning: IT teams don’t wait for things to break. They watch systems closely, spot trouble early, and plan ahead so technology keeps up as your organization grows or your data expands in volume. That kind of proactive work cuts down on downtime and keeps access to information steady.
Partner with PC Corp to Empower Access With IT
Access to information is what keeps organizations moving forward. When people can reach the right data at the right time, they work smarter, make better decisions, and strengthen the communities around them.
Making that kind of access possible will typically involve choosing the right IT solutions for your Calgary organization. At PC Corp, we offer managed IT services that help businesses put the systems, safeguards and strategies in place so their information is always secure, reliable, and within reach.
If you’re ready to break down barriers and give your organization the tools it needs to thrive, we’re here to help. Contact us today.
