As a technology watcher and practitioner, I'm always encouraged when a (truly) promising technology trend breaks out of our geek-speak echo chambers and into the business consciousness.
I say 'encouraged', because my interest in technology isn't about the specific technologies per se. Rather, my interest is in the value -- business and societal - that those technologies enable.
And let's face it, the realization of that value is exponentially easier when an organization's leaders are aware of the trend. Even more so, when those leaders learn that their executive friends (or enemies) are using said technology to competitive advantage.
Given that awareness is step one to value, I've used a lot of my blog space here to point out big (and fast) data studies and success stories. My primary sources have been academic oriented journals, management consultancies and the occasional sidebar in the business press.
For some technology trends, this is as good as it gets. As advocates, our life gets easier with an HBR article to drop on an executive's desk, but often the article, like the cited trends, gets swept into the recycle bin.
Sometimes though, a trend is so compelling (e-commerce, mobility), in-your-face (social media) or simple to comprehend (cloud), that it leaps into mainstream media and takes on a life of its own. Instead of playing the role of serial advocate, corporate IT leaders and architects are suddenly in a game of catch-up. [Often leading to a game of clean-up].
After listening to a two-part Big Data series on NPR's Morning Edition, I don't think it's a stretch to say that visions of big data will be pervading a boardroom near you. The question is, are you ready?
Think about these:
- Can you explain big data to your business executives?
- Can you identify big (or fast) data opportunities for your organization?
- Can you explain the associated risks and costs?
- Does your organization's culture support evidence based decision-making?
- Does your organization have a strategic information agenda?
- Who (really) is your chief information officer?
Check out the NPR series. Odds are, your executives have. [Part 1, Part 2]
