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What's The Definition Of Big Data? Who Cares?
It has been entertaining to see how so many people are arguing over how to define big data. There is always another nuance that can be suggested. There is always another potential exception to any rule that is offered. In the end, I don’t think the energy being put into
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What's Up With In-Memory Analytics?
There’s been a lot of noise lately about the concept of in-memory analytics. As a recent example, if you followed the press around some major conferences in late April, you’ll notice that a lot of messaging was present around in-memory analytics products. Many people have been asking questions about how
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To Sample Or Not To Sample... Does It Even Matter?
So the question is…when do you sample and when do you not? And does it even matter anymore in the world of big data? As I’ll lay out here, in most cases today there is no point in wasting energy worrying about it. As long as a few basic criteria
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What Makes A Great Analytics Professional?
THE BIG IDEASAnalytics professionals have different titles but a similar goal: use data to make better business decisions.There are misconceptions about what makes a great analytics professional. The most common misconception is emphasizing a person’s technical skills as opposed to “softer” skills.Big data may lead to new tools and tactics,
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Why Nobody Is Actually Analyzing Unstructured Data
Unstructured data has been a very popular topic lately since so many big data sources are unstructured. However, an important nuance is often missed - the fact is that virtually no analytics directly analyze unstructured data. Unstructured data may be an input to an analytic process, but when it comes
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Keep Your Data Scientist... Send Me A Data Artist!
There is a lot of hype about the new position of “Data Scientist” (see January’s Fortune magazine). I am always happy for analytics professionals to get recognition and excitement about what we do and I’m not really hung up on what title is used. However, if you take the time
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Is Big Data At Risk Of Unleashing Big Brother
Privacy is always a flash point. With the advent of big data, privacy is only going to be even more of a concern. The fact is that many sources of big data contain highly detailed information on what people are doing. While there are many very valid uses for most
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So, You Hired a Data Scientist – Now What?
You’ve spent a lot of time and energy finding just the right person to fill your new data scientist role. The individual has settled into the position and is proving to be a successful hire for your organization. Looking forward, what can you do to retain the individual and help
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The Questionable Analytics of Censorship
Historically, concerns about over-zealous censorship have focused on repressive governments. In the United States, free speech has been a pillar of our society since its founding. For the most part, government attempts at censorship or speech restrictions receive swift and successful push back. In recent times, however, a new path
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Will The CFO Function Become The Driver For Analytics?
How will the adoption rate of applying analytics accelerate? Who in an organization might emerge as the primary driver? Will it only be the CEO? Analytics is certainly embraced in functions such as marketing for customer and prospect analysis and as risk management. Is it possible that the CFO function