An enterprise wants to reduce the complexity of its data assets while ensuring impact to the business is minimized during the transition. Which of the following should be done FIRST?

Removing applications is an implementation step that should only occur after a thorough review of the information architecture and a clear plan for simplification have been established.

Reviewing information classification and retention policies is important for data governance and lifecycle management, but it doesn't provide the foundational structural understanding of data assets needed to reduce overall complexity.

Reviewing the existing information architecture (IA) is the foundational first step because it provides a comprehensive understanding of how data is currently organized, stored, and integrated across the enterprise. This review helps identify redundancies, inconsistencies, and complex interdependencies, which are critical insights for planning any simplification effort while minimizing business disruption.

Assessing current information ownership identifies who is responsible for data, which is crucial for governance, but it doesn't directly reveal the structural complexity of the data assets themselves or how to reduce it.