Analytics

IT executives are starting to realize that there's little value in big data without robust analytics systems that can crunch the numbers and give key decision makers (read: their bosses) easy-to-digest information. With so few real solutions on the market, though, this is easier said than done.

RSA, the security division of EMC, kicked off its annual security conference on IT security with a pitch to establish its new Big Data Security and risk-governance products as a foundation for security operations centers. And RSA says it'll send in its security professionals to help set them up, too.

Data is not always an asset, and Big Data is not always the answer

Organizations such as the Green Bay Packers football team and the owner of the Daytona 500 race track are using IT to produce happier fans and more revenue.

Actian, formerly Ingres, is to acquire Pervasive Software, a vendor of cloud-based and on-premises software for data management and analysis. The deal is targeted at the growing big data market.

RSA, the security division of EMC, is looking to big data for the future of security, arguing that applying analytics to massive amounts of data related to users, their devices and network management will be increasingly important to detect fraud and cyberattacks.

One major selling point for data analytics is that it gives executives the information they need to make the decisions that are best for the company. However, if executives don't read the reports before signing on the dotted line, or if they expect research groups to write reports to justify their decisions, then there's no point.

Few areas of the IT job market have seen the growth and disparity in supply and demand that the data analytics field has experienced. As big data continues to get bigger and the analytics field continues to mature, it's becoming a core part of business and the decision-making process. Competition for top analytic talent is going to be fierce as more companies enter the hiring fray.

Big data might not be the answer to all of our prayers, but it does represent an opportunity for IT to have a seat at the table and directly drive stronger revenues, market penetration and share of voice in an ever more competitive global marketplace. Here are 7 steps to big data success.

At this health-benefits-management company, easy-to-use software lets salespeople quickly crunch data to boost their win rate

Redshift, a new collection of cloud-based data warehousing and analytics services, promises an inexpensive alternative to on-premises big data solutions