Appreciating Big Data Analytics' Business Value

Given all the hype surrounding big data analytics these days, no one should be faulted if they thought most organizations were not particularly good at turning data into actionable intelligence. A new survey of 3,600 senior business executives conducted by market research firm Vanson Bourne on behalf of EMC may reveal otherwise, however. Findings show that most executives have not only come to the conclusion that IT is transforming the way their business operates, 71 percent said they are fairly adept at turning data into actionable intelligence. That doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement, though. The survey showed that 43 percent cited big data analytics as the biggest driver of business change and more than half said it's actually their customers that are forcing the issue. For solution providers across the channel, this means plenty of opportunities still exist around big data analytics. They may be well-advised, however, not to assume that customers are not already acting on their current understanding of what the art of big data might possibly be.