We assume that her busy, online-fueled morning is focused on her top-of-the-mind concerns of the moment. “Big Data” means much more than mere size. There is incredible value and opportunity to be derived from an in-depth understanding of the data: data analysis and insight by Communications Service Providers (CSPs) will provide a baseline view of how, when and where customers use their services. Of course, this insight begins with the customer’s data. And the CSP’s customer data is much greater than the collection of network usage records. This is a story about Pat. Pat is a man! MORE >>

These environments are also major enablers for online businesses such as Google, Facebook and Groupon. Educational institutions are simply in a position to evolve much quicker than most businesses.  Recent graduates are armed to the hilt analytically coming out of school compared to when I graduated - not only in the theory but in the tools and business applications.  Now that we rang in the New Year, I thought we should take a look back on a few major 2010 analytic landmarks and then look ahead into 2011. 2010 in Review. No change here in 2010 so why is this on the list?  MORE >>

Analytic resources require several skills including database, technical and analytic skills as well as a strong business acumen.  strong subject matter expertise (business acumen) is critical to solving specific business problems. In fact, an organization that manages analytic contests has stated that their contest winners tend to have a strong knowledge of the business problem they are trying to solve. These technologies and analytic skills are evolving at a rapid pace and one of the primary reasons is the need for the business to take in more and more data. MORE >>

For example, I intended to initiate an analytical model for a client that has a combination of B-to-B and B-to-C business. As a healthcare company, its targeted customer includes non-profit and for-profit business entities and individuals. Now, we are using the campaign and business intelligence tools to create the behavioral-tracking system and accumulate information for future analytical modeling. In real business, we actually have more choices and can use two perspectives in our analytical work. Analysis plays a critical role in this process. MORE >>

In many ways, this makes business in the digital world less risky, and less encumbered by barriers to entry. For a modern-day example of digital copycatting, simply look to Groupon , the online couponing site that has become a sensation among consumers and businesses alike. Magazine reports , “The quickly growing start-up -- which some estimate will soon exceed $400 million in annual sales -- has also discovered a slightly more painful truth: that its lucrative business model will continue to attract a formidable army of skilled copycats as long as there is money to be made.…Because MORE >>