Experienced analysts know there is no single platform that can handle all types of analytic processing efficiently. Invariably, data-driven organizations will use a variety of engines to refine their raw data into usable insights. There are several down sides to this heterogeneity, not the least of which is poor collaboration. But that's starting to change, as many companies focus on creative ways to foster analytical cooperation. Register for this episode of The Briefing Room to hear veteran Analyst Dr. Robin Bloor explain why collaboration in the design and use of analytical applications can have wide-ranging impacts on an organization.   

It's now well over 20 years since the era of data warehousing and business intelligence began. From the very outset, other than database management systems (DBMSs), the one type of technology that has been there from the start is data management in the form of data cleansing and data integration.   

As we know, Chief Information Officers are generally 'change and upheaval averse' because it is, after all, mostly prudent to resist change. With change comes risk, new user training, new integration challenges and a bottom line with increased cost. But new social enterprise trends cannot be brought to bear without taking the necessary steps that form Business Process re-Engineering (BPE) and its associated evils.   

Today's savvy organizations know that a streamlined approach to data and applications can put the power of predictive analytics right where it needs to be: in the hands of the user. A real revolution is underway for the graphic design of such user interfaces, and central to this overhaul of design is the concept of intelligent, simple workflow, which enables users to get things done in an orderly fashion. Register for this episode of The Briefing Room to hear analyst Mike Ferguson of Intelligent Business Strategies as he explains why interface design and workflow must go hand-in-hand.   

Improving patient care remains a top priority for America's healthcare organizations, but for a group of providers in New Orleans, that bar wasn't high enough. Though still in its early stages, a new project has already received national recognition and is being considered as a model for other major urban centers. The program, led by the Louisiana Public Health Institute, has focused on quality improvement for chronic care management in primary practices, enabling transitions of care using health information technology, and promoting consumer engagement through mobile phones. Register for this free webcast to hear LPHI's director, Dr. Anjum Khurshid, explain the component parts of this program, the foundation of which is the Greater New Orleans Health Information Exchange.  

The modern business analyst needs data from all over the place: yes, the data warehouse, but also the Web, big data, production systems, as well as via partners and vendors. In fact, the typical analyst spends more than 50% of the time chasing data, which slows delivery of analytic insights and limits the time available for thorough analysis. Some practitioners refer to this conundrum as "the data problem." Register for this episode of The Briefing Room to hear veteran Analyst Colin White of BI Research as he explains why analytical sandboxes and data hubs can be an analyst's best friend.