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• text tagging

  Text tagging is the process of manually or automatically adding tags or annotation to various components of unstructured data as one step in the process of preparing such data for analysis. Continue Reading

• small multiples

  Small multiples (also called trellis charts or lattice charts) provide data visualization of many small, interrelated graphs clustered together in a single display. Continue Reading

• Building predictive analytics models takes a team effort

  Predictive modeling shouldn't be a solo activity. Businesses looking to get the most out of their data scientists should ensure they're working collaboratively to build analytical models. Continue Reading

• Analytics execs reveal how to hire data scientists

  Hiring a data scientist can be a big investment, so businesses need to know how to optimize the process. As a guide, some experienced analytics managers discuss their hiring strategies. Continue Reading

• How to get the most out of your data science program

  Interest in data science continues to grow among businesses. As companies put teams to work in a data science program, they need to know how to make the most of the investment. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • business analytics (BA)
  • edge analytics
  • predictive analytics
  • text mining (text analytics)

  • business intelligence (BI)
  • association rules
  • business intelligence dashboard
  • data preparation

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• Big data picture complete with data visualization projects

  IT directors at companies that are actively pulling in reams of big data may feel like they have arrived. They've put the tools in place to gather information, and they've plundered the data for treasures. But all of the discoveries are useless if ...Continue Reading

• IoT analytics guide: Understanding Internet of Things data

  The Internet of Things is about more than self-aware refrigerators. Get insight on managing and analyzing IoT data in business applications.Continue Reading

• Data analysis tools don't create data-driven culture

  Businesses want to be more data-driven, and vendors are capitalizing on the demand with sleek, self-service tools. But it's culture, not tools, that creates a data-driven organization.Continue Reading

• d3.js (data-driven documents)

  D3.js (data-driven documents) is a library of JavaScript code that enables users to input their own data into prebuilt visualizations. The code allows users to generate graphics in frequently used web formats like HTML, CSS and SVG.Continue Reading

• embedded BI (embedded business intelligence)

  Embedded BI (business intelligence) is the integration of self-service BI tools into commonly used business applications.Continue Reading

• Advanced analytics techniques fuel data-driven organization

  Consultant Claudia Imhoff says descriptive and diagnostic analytics aren't enough to build a data-driven culture -- companies need to step up to predictive and prescriptive analytics, too.Continue Reading

• Does big data analytics deliver value?

  Now that more companies have big data analytics programs, new trends -- and new challenges -- are emerging. Many programs have moved out of experimentation into real production, offering a timely opportunity to learn how companies are tapping into ...Continue Reading

• How, where and why big data analytics are delivering value

  SearchBusinessAnalytics Benchmark Reports examine customer perceptions and adoption rates of technologies in established segments of the business intelligence (BI) market. Each Benchmark Report focuses on a specific area and surveys senior BI and IT...Continue Reading

• How big data analytics tools can help your organization

  Big data analytics is a trending practice that many companies are adopting. Before jumping in and buying big data tools, though, organizations should first get to know the landscape.Continue Reading

• Scala (Scalable Language)

  Scala is a software programming language that mixes object-oriented methods with functional programming capabilities. It was used to create the scalable Spark analytics engine.Continue Reading

• Four steps to integrating social media metrics into the BI process

  In an excerpt from a book on using social media in business operations, Krish Krishnan and Shawn Rogers explore how organizations can take advantage of insights provided by social business intelligence.Continue Reading

• revenue attribution

  Revenue attribution is the process of matching customer sales to specific advertisements in order to understand where revenue is coming from and optimize how advertising budgets are spent in the future.Continue Reading

• Chief data, analytics officers poised to become new business drivers

  Chief analytics officers and chief data officers can help get more value from data. But as more businesses add CAOs and CDOs, they'll have to think of how the roles fit in the organization.Continue Reading

• Faster modeling techniques in predictive analytics pay off

  Using predictive modeling techniques is all about finding insights in data. But it isn't an academic exercise, and accelerating the delivery of those insights can pay off big in business value.Continue Reading

• Bring data analysis methods to the masses

  Many members of the general public, which includes business executives, don't really understand what analytics is all about. It's up to data scientists to educate them.Continue Reading

• Setting the stage to effectively visualize data

  The piles of data gathered from business intelligence and analytics tools is of little use to BI, data management and IT teams if they don't have a good way to visualize the data. To put data to effective use, IT teams need to construct an ...Continue Reading

• Communication skills a must for business intelligence professionals

  Today's enterprises want business intelligence managers and staffers with good communication skills and a solid understanding of the business, advises careers expert Matt Mueller.Continue Reading

• Data-hungry organizations use stream processing to digest big data

  In the data age, information never stops flowing -- and its breakneck speed never flags. Organizations with a need to harness that speed don’t want to miss the chance to take advantage of even a single 1 or 0 or unstructured bit of information. Some...Continue Reading

• Strategies, tactics and tools for making big data applications count

  Big data management and analytics initiatives can give organizations a wealth of insight into their internal operations, market trends, customer behavior and other business factors. But it isn’t easy to plan, implement and manage big data ...Continue Reading

• Big data means big demand for business intelligence analysts

  Business intelligence and analytics are booming in the big data era -- and so is demand for BI analysts, managers and developers, according to careers expert Matt Mueller.Continue Reading

• Integrated analytics gives users operational intelligence edge

  Embedding analytics capabilities in operational processes can pay big business dividends by enabling front-line workers to optimize how things are done, consultant David Loshin says.Continue Reading

• Look to business needs in deciding what big data sets to analyze

  How much is enough? A full set? Part of one? No one answer will fit every organization. BI teams should start by assessing the business problems.Continue Reading

• Big data challenges include what info to use -- and what not to

  Businesses looking to get real value out of big data, and avoid overwhelming their systems, need to be selective about what they analyze.Continue Reading

• in-memory analytics

  In-memory analytics queries data residing in a computer’s random access memory (RAM) rather than data stored on physical disks. This results in vastly shortened query response times.Continue Reading

• ensemble modeling

  Ensemble modeling is the process of running two or more related but different analytical models and then synthesizing the results into a single score or spread in order to improve the accuracy of predictive analytics and data mining applications.Continue Reading

• Customer data analysis turns info crude oil into business fuel

  Leading-edge companies are relying on customer analytics to help drive their marketing and service strategies. But there's more to the process than throwing data at analytics tools.Continue Reading

• Analytics in sports gets growing front-office role

  Sports teams have been adopting analytics tools to improve in-game performance for years, but now some are also focusing on using data analysis to boost their business operations.Continue Reading

• Balance required between big data volume, analytics needs

  Many businesses implementing big data analytics applications focus on the size of their data sets, when what they should really focus on is whether they have the right data.Continue Reading

• Social media analysis has promise -- but also pitfalls to avoid

  Social media analytics can give businesses a better idea of what customers think about them, but there are some common challenges to be aware of before getting started on projects.Continue Reading

• data journalism

  Data journalism in an approach to writing for the public in which the journalist analyzes large data sets to identify potential news stories.Continue Reading

• Take your data analysis skills to the next level

  Regardless of what industry you work in, you are likely to be left behind if you lack basic analytical skills. Taking a proactive approach may end up saving you time -- and a hassle – further down the line.Continue Reading

• process intelligence (business process intelligence)

  Process intelligence is data that has been systematically collected to analyze the individual steps within a business process or operational workflow. Continue Reading

• DIY BI: A guide to self-service business intelligence implementation

  The articles in this guide discuss self-service BI's potential benefits and offer tips for successful deployment and management of self-service tools.Continue Reading

• self-service analytics

  Self-service analytics is an approach to advanced analytics that gives the ability to conduct analyses to business users, rather than data scientists.Continue Reading

• Talking Data podcast: Predictive modeling techniques

  Predictive modeling is more than a math problem. This Talking Data podcast looks at it from the business and technology perspectives.Continue Reading

• Data visualization software deserves a deep look before buying

  Data visualization tools can present information to business users in easy-to-grasp formats. But it isn't a pretty picture if you buy the wrong one.Continue Reading

• data artist

  A data artist is a business analytics (BA) specialist who creates graphs, charts, infographics and other visual tools that help people understand complex data.Continue Reading

• social analysis

  Social analysis is the practice of analyzing a situation or social problem through objective, systematic exploration.Continue Reading

• BI architecture needs extensions to meet new analytics demands

  Claudia Imhoff and Colin White outline a business intelligence environment designed to accommodate existing data warehouses and new technologies.Continue Reading

• Big data implementation checklist for analytics project managers

  Consultant Rick Sherman details a series of steps that he says organizations should take to set their big data analytics programs on the right path.Continue Reading

• mobile location analytics (MLA)

  Mobile location analytics is a method used by retailers to track the movements of shoppers throughout their stores.Continue Reading

• Big data vendors should stop dissing data warehouse systems

  Wayne Eckerson examines the analytics roles of data warehouses and big data systems and says he's tired of data warehouse bashing by big data vendors.Continue Reading

• Laws leave gray area between big data and privacy

  Laws on data collection and use remain foggy, leaving businesses to feel their way through big data and privacy laws.Continue Reading

• New BI reporting, data analytics tools give users a business edge

  More affordable and easier-to-use software is enabling companies in various industries to embrace the power of business intelligence and analytics.Continue Reading

• MapR

  MapR Technologies is a distributed data platform for AI and analytics provider that enables enterprises to apply data modeling to their business processes with the goal of increasing revenue, reducing costs and mitigating risks.Continue Reading

• Cognitive computing for all? Think about it

  Machines like IBM's Watson are becoming as smart as we are. And soon the technology may become elementary to many more than just Big Blue.Continue Reading

• Developing business decision-making models that really work

  David Loshin defines weighting factors and offers advice for beginning a decision-modeling effort that ultimately leads to the best business outcome.Continue Reading

• Close the deal on using CRM analysis to boost customer knowledge

  Customer relationship analysis holds the key to improved marketing and customer engagement. But it starts with having the right tools and skills.Continue Reading

• Campbell's Law

  Campbell's Law is the observation that once a metric has been identified as a primary indicator for success, its ability to accurately measure success tends to be compromised.  Continue Reading

• Tapping the potential of social media analytics tools

  Social media analytics can help companies uncover valuable customer data. This guide examines the potential and challenges of social media analysis.Continue Reading

• Social media monitoring tools: What they can and can't do

  Take this brief quiz to test your understanding of the capabilities of social media monitoring and analytics software.Continue Reading

• Google Advertising ID

  Google Advertising ID is a piece of universally unique identifier code that allows mobile applications running on Android devices to identify users and gather data for the purposes of building profiles.Continue Reading

• Defining and using KPIs in a successful business intelligence system

  In this book excerpt, author David Loshin discusses how to select key performance indicators and turn data into actionable knowledge for BI success.Continue Reading

• IT exec sets course for smooth sailing on BI, data warehouse projects

  In a video Q&A, Sam Strum of Inttra details how the ocean shipping logistics company managed a business intelligence and data warehouse initiative.Continue Reading

• SAS users eye marketing data analysis, changing big data landscape

  The need to understand customers more deeply is driving an increased focus on marketing analytics, according to attendees at a SAS conference.Continue Reading

• Change agents: Leaders in information management technology

  In this guide, we examine various transformative projects and the agents of change who made them possible through creativity and determination.Continue Reading

• The buzz: Location intelligence software puts data on the map

  Some businesses have a lot to gain from location intelligence, but it isn't the right destination for every industry.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Creating effective predictive analytics programs

  Take this brief quiz to test your knowledge of predictive analytics and what is needed to implement successful predictive modeling processes.Continue Reading

• Uplift modeling reshapes the art, and science, of customer persuasion

  Uplift modeling is helping leading-edge marketers and political campaigners to more precisely target the "persuadable" members of their audience.Continue Reading

• Structuring a big data strategy

  Complex data stores are a currency for organizations that can cut through the noise with a big data strategy that delivers quality business insights.Continue Reading

• visual analytics

  Visual analytics is a form of inquiry in which data that provides insight into solving a problem is displayed in an interactive, graphical manner.Continue Reading

• Hadoop cluster

  A Hadoop cluster is a special type of computational cluster designed specifically for storing and analyzing huge amounts of unstructured data in a distributed computing environment. Continue Reading

• Quiz: Big data analytics technologies and techniques

  Big data analytics technologies are a must-have for today's organizations. Test your knowledge of data analysis tools and strategies.Continue Reading

• location intelligence (LI)

  Location intelligence (LI) is a business analysis tool capability that enables companies to gather geographic- and location-related data to better understand global, regional and local business trends.Continue Reading

• collaborative BI (collaborative business intelligence)

  Collaborative BI (collaborative business intelligence) is the merging of business intelligence software with collaboration tools, including social and Web 2.0 technologies, to support improved data-driven decision making.Continue Reading

• Quiz: Test your knowledge of mobile business intelligence trends

  How much do you know about mobile business intelligence tools and best practices for managing mobile BI initiatives? Take our brief quiz to find out.Continue Reading

• noisy text

  Noisy text is an electronically-stored communication that cannot be categorized properly by a text mining software program. Noisy text is often caused by an end user's excessive use of idiomatic expressions, abbreviations, chat and text acronyms or ...Continue Reading

• cloud analytics

  Cloud analytics is a service model in which one or more key element of data analytics is provided through a public or private cloud.  Cloud analytics applications and services are typically provided through a subscription-based or utility (...Continue Reading

• Quiz: Advanced analytics techniques and best practices

  After listening to consultant Tony Rathburn's BI University webcasts on advanced analytics, test your knowledge of predictive analytics processes and how to best use analytics tools.Continue Reading

• Google Analytics dashboard

  The Google Analytics dashboard is a user interface to the company’s Web analytics product. Google Analytics is a free service that provides statistics and basic analytical tools for marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) purposes.Continue Reading

• Google Analytics

  Google Analytics is a free Web analytics service that provides statistics and basic analytical tools for search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing purposes. The service is available to anyone with a Google account.Continue Reading

• heat map (heatmap)

  A heat map is a two-dimensional representation of data in which values are represented by colors. Heat maps allow users to understand and analyze complex data sets.Continue Reading

• enterprise mashup (or data mashup)

  An enterprise mashup is the integration of heterogeneous digital data and applications from multiple sources for business purposes. An enterprise mashup is also sometimes known as a business mashup or, less precisely, as a data mashup.Continue Reading

• Software as a Service BI (SaaS BI)

  Software as a Service business intelligence (SaaS BI) is a delivery model for business intelligence in which applications are typically deployed outside of a company’s firewall at a hosted location.Continue Reading

• deep analytics

  Deep analytics is the application of sophisticated data processing techniques to yield information from large and typically multi-source data sets comprised of both unstructured and semi-structured data.Continue Reading

• in-database analytics

  In-database analytics is a scheme for processing data within the database, avoiding the data movement that slows response time.  Continue Reading

• processing in memory (PIM)

  Processing in memory (PIM, sometimes called processor in memory) is the integration of a processor with RAM (usually DRAM or SRAM) on a single chip. The result is sometimes known as a PIM chip.Continue Reading

• Tips for enabling modern enterprise business intelligence projects

  Learn how enterprise BI has changed over the years and why effective BI deployment is an ongoing problem. Get BI strategy tips, and read a sample BI vision statement.Continue Reading

• Increasing operational efficiency still the biggest BI spending driver

  Operational efficiency is the top driver of spending on BI, analytics and CPM technology, a survey shows. Find out where other factors rank in influencing BI tools investments.Continue Reading

• MicroStrategy

  MicroStrategy is an enterprise business intelligence (BI) application software vendor.Continue Reading

• OLAP dashboard

  The “OLAP” designation indicates that one or more of the graphs or reports (sometimes referred to as “panes,” in the dashboard) are based on an OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) data source. Continue Reading

• open source business intelligence (OSBI)

  Open source business intelligence (BI) is, technically, free BI. Instead of selling traditional software licenses, open source BI vendors charge subscription or support fees for their commercial products.Continue Reading

• Examples of decision support systems (DSS) aiding business decision-making

  Learn how decision support systems can help the business decision-making process. Find out why decision support is needed and what IT skills business managers need for DSS.Continue Reading

• Using computerized decision support systems, and the history of DSS

  Learn about the history of computerized decision support systems and DSS theory, and find out how modern decision support systems differ from their predecessors.Continue Reading

• mobile business intelligence

  Mobile business intelligence is an extension of business intelligence (BI) from desktops and laptops to mobile devices such as Blackberry, iPhone, and iPad.  Reports, charts, graphs, and alerts are designed for viewing on smaller mobile screens. Continue Reading

• sparkline

  A sparkline is a small embedded line graph that illustrates a single trend. Sparklines do not include axes or labels; context comes from the related content.Continue Reading

• analytic database

  An analytic database is specifically designed to support business intelligence (BI) and analytic applications, typically as part of a data warehouse or data mart.Continue Reading

• business intelligence competency center (BICC)

  A business intelligence competency center (BICC) is a team of people that, in its most fully realized form, is responsible for managing all aspects of an organization's BI strategy, projects and systems.Continue Reading

• real-time business intelligence (BI)

  Real-time business intelligence is an approach to data analytics that enables business users to get up-to-the-minute data by directly accessing operational systems.Continue Reading

• named entity

  A named entity is a term or phrase that identifies an object from a set of other objects with similar attributes.Continue Reading

• performance scorecard

  A performance scorecard is a graphic or an application that depicts the progress over time of some entity, such as an enterprise, an employee or a business unit, toward some type of goal.Continue Reading

• customer intelligence (CI)

  Customer intelligence (CI) is information derived from customer data that an organization collects from both internal and external sources.Continue Reading

• noisy data

  Noisy data is meaningless data. The term was often used as a synonym for corrupt data, but its meaning has expanded to include data from unstructured text that cannot be understood by machines.  Continue Reading

• Twelve KPI dashboard examples & KPI scorecard examples to get started

  Check out 12 key performance indicator (KPI) dashboard examples and KPI scorecard examples to get you started with your business scorecard and executive dashboard design.Continue Reading

• Creating key performance indicator (KPI) reports and dashboard design

  Learn about key performance indicator (KPI) reports and the benefits of KPI reporting. Read about common executive dashboard design mishaps and see examples of KPI scorecards.Continue Reading