Enterprise analytics is a fast-growing market, as users demand up-to-the-minute data presented visually in context. But in their rush to consume fresh daily data, they may overlook the need for proper preparation of the data before serving.
Over the weekend, Christian Gheorghe, CEO Tidemark was good enough to field a long call where we discussed the approach his company is taking to analytics and business intelligence. Of special interest is the concept of 'storylines,' a way of visualizing structured and unstructured data.
Intacct is introducing Flex Reporting, a tool that extends the existing report capability to one that is more aligned to operational reporting. I'm not convinced they've got this right but rather are shackled to an accounting mindset. That will limit their ability to upsell or grow into new markets.
SAP HANA Enterprise Cloud has many implications for both customers and the broader SAP ecosystem. Making sense of them all in what will be a complex world is not straightforward and we anticipate many twists and turns.
IT leaders like Jeroen Tas of Philips are being challenged to create a strategic vision for how their organizations can exploit the vast amounts of customer data becoming available to them through big data initiatives – while instilling and growing customer trust.
Grab a coffee. There's a lot to digest. Vishal Sikka, executive board member SAP's infectious enthusiasm for SAP HANA - his little girl - is palpable.
My good buddy Vinnie Mirchandani says I spend far too much time worrying about yesterday's technology. He may be right but then I worry a lot about the people and things that pay the bills, move things around, get things made and so on. However, there is a largely unseen world to which we should pay attention.
On a rare winter trip out of the frozen north, I visited Atlanta where I met with Mico Yuk. Mico is an outspoken business intelligence consultant, often working in the SAP world. In the above video we discuss a couple of stories: one she wrote on SCN that talked about the five things BI people need to do in 2013, the other, colleague Dennis Howlett's response.
