Microsoft Goes After 3 Big Data Myths by Jeff Bertolucci.
It’s Jeff’s coverage of the second myth that I want to mention:
The second myth, Microsoft said, pertains to the looming data scientist shortage: Enterprises can’t find enough qualified big data gurus to pull insights from unstructured information sources, such as social media feeds and machine sensor data.
“While it is true that the industry needs more data scientists, it is equally true that most organizations are equipped with the employees they need today to help them gather the valuable insights from their data that will better their business,” writes Kelly.
In other words, big data tools and apps can save the day. Microsoft’s argument ties in with the so-called democratization of data movement. Popular tools, such as Excel with the Data Explorer add-in, allow end users to perform BI analysis without having to pester IT for help.
Isn’t that similar to the difference between being able to use MS Word and being an author?
I know lots of people who can do one but not the other.
The danger from the Microsoft argument comes from staff on payroll performing poorly at BI analysis isn’t a line item in the budget. Lost opportunities never are.
On the other hand, getting competent help that uses Microsoft or other data analytic tools, is a line item in the budget.
Managers may be tempted in budget conscious times to opt for the no budget line item option.
Consider that carefully, the opportunities you lose may be your own.
Update: A better example is using MS PowerPoint does not make you a presenter. We have all sat through dead by PowerPoint presentations and will again.
I was surprised by this, too. If they’re saying that most companies already have the skills necessary to extract a prediction model from their data, then basically that’s totally wrong.
I guess the reason they say this is that it may be harder to sell Big Data Analytics in Excel if people realize that none of their Excel users actually have the necessary maths to use it.
Comment by larsga@garshol.priv.no — March 12, 2013 @ 5:06 am
Well, but there is BI and there is BI from “big data.” A few users will have the skills you point out and so their claim it “can” creation prediction models isn’t false. It just isn’t within the reach of the average user.
But what average user is going to admit they lack “big data” BI skills?
From a marketing perspective, a smooth move. From a customer perspective, the mileage may vary, greatly.
I disagree with it because it poisons the market for competent data analysis. “Well, but X can use Excel…” true enough but the results may be meaningless. That’s hard to demonstrate when the speaker and X are committed to a solution and not a useful answer.
Comment by Patrick Durusau — March 12, 2013 @ 6:25 am