You’re Not the Only One With Data Problems

I’ve met with lots of customers and prospects throughout my career. And, I’ve noticed that, when I’ve asked them to describe their current software situation, many would say the same things. “We should have updated this a long time ago.” “It’s embarrassing how long it takes to do a simple task.” “I bet other companies stopped doing things like this years ago.”

Each of them felt like their organization was embarrassingly, uniquely behind in what software they used and how they managed data. And, they all felt like they were the only ones in this predicament. Everyone else had more state-of-the-art, up-to-date software and more sophisticated data delivery methods.

I would tell them that I’ve seen and heard these same laments from many other companies, including their peers. I tried to assure them that they were not alone.

I mention this as Qlik recently conducted a survey where we asked IT and business professionals about their organizations’ data strategies. And, not surprisingly, most said that they were lagging, not leading, in terms of the technology and techniques they currently utilized. I wouldn’t be surprised if many respondents felt like they were the only ones who were behind.

Our survey showed three overall themes:

Traditional Data Repositories and Technologies Are Still Very Much in Use

  • Even with the many advantages of cloud-based data warehouses, 75% are still using a traditional, on-premise data warehouse that requires large budgets to cover hardware, software and maintenance services.
  • Cloud-based analytics offer many of the same advantages as cloud data warehouses, such as minimal startup and operational costs. Yet, over 50% don’t have a cloud-based analytics tool.
  • Many still have important data locked within difficult-to-access, on-premise data sources, such as Mainframes, SAP and Legacy solutions.

Many Continue To Use Old-fashioned Data Integration Techniques

  • Over 50% still use Microsoft Excel as their primary Data Integration tool.
  • The amount of time it takes to provide access to new data sources is viewed as the highest obstacle to greater BI success.
  • Most of those in leadership recognize that their current refresh rate of once per day is insufficient. Almost half think that data should be refreshed at least once per hour, if not more frequently.

Some Are Already Trying New Methods

  • Automating steps, such as ETL development, is helping to accelerate the creation and population of an accessible, cloud-based repository.
  • Adding new data sources takes less time if a data catalog is being used.
  • Enabling users with the ability to “shop” for data in one enterprise-wide catalog has removed obstacles to business insight.

So, if you’re still dealing with legacy data and software woes – take heart, you are not alone! But, although there may be some relief in knowing you aren’t the only one, that doesn’t mean you should stay put. Make the leap to modern data integration tools. And, then reap the benefits of being more productive and efficient.

Many IT/business professionals say their orgs' #data strategies are lagging; but take heart - you're not alone, notes @michaeldistler

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