Big Data: Not Just for Big Business Anymore

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Even though big global brands appear to be making all of the news and noise surrounding big data, the powerful computing necessary to run business analytics is not out of reach for mid-market companies. That's good news for those who may be thinking about investing in big data solutions in order to gain fresh insight into their customers' experiences, expectations and buying habits. According to industry analysts, spending is expected to more than triple in the near term, from $867M in 2012 to $3.6B in 2016.* Fortunately, there are a number of cost-effective ways SMBs (small and mid-market business) can cash in on the big data revolution. ICC, a nationally recognized enterprise technology leader that provides business-critical application development, digital and big data analytic solutions to its Fortune 1000 national and global clients, has outlined below six steps mid-market companies can take to assess whether a big data solution is out of reach and offers a new white paper, "Big Data: Not Just for Big Business Anymore" (http://bit.ly/17jypOB).

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For mid-market companies looking to leverage big data to increase customer reach, create new insights, develop predictive models or analyze data in motion there are a number of options available. These include on-premise solutions using affordable hardware and software options, as well as cloud-based solutions.

"In fact, many SMBs may find that a cloud-based service is a great solution to their problem," says Jim Gallo, National Director, Business Analytics for Columbus-based business solutions firm ICC. "The next question, then, is do they have the right human capital needed to leverage the solution?"

Without all of the pieces to make a big data project work, companies can find themselves scrambling to extract value. They may not anticipate the myriad combinations of skills and resources required to make such a project successful in their IT environments.

To avoid this situation, ICC recommends SMBs interested in big data should assess the following:

1. Is there a need? Make sure that a valid business need exists with an ROI that is both provable and achievable.
2. Did you do your homework? Start by identifying two to three big data technology providers that warrant a closer look.
3. Got cloud? If you're working with a technology partner to provide the experience necessary to develop and manage a solution, find out whether it offers a cloud solution (not all do).
4. Can you build it? Ask cloud providers for a list of implementation partners as not all of them offer implementation services.
5. What will this cost? Compare and contrast the costs of cloud versus on-premise solutions, keeping in mind that the economics will change as the solution begins to scale.
6. Can you show me the money? Work with the technology providers and partners to validate the use cases, to prove the ROI and to team with internal resources for training and knowledge transfer.

"Big data is rapidly moving beyond the hype-cycle to ever-increasing levels of adoption," says Gallo. "There is no doubt that big data solutions are here to stay as they are truly helping to drive new insights, increase revenue and decrease costs for those who have made the investment."

Want to Learn More?
ICC's Jim Gallo, National Director for Business Analytics, offers thoughtful commentary in a new white paper. Download a complimentary copy of "Big Data: Not Just for Big Business Anymore?" from our website at http://bit.ly/17jypOB  

*Source: TechAisle "Worldwide SMB Big Data spend will reach US$3.5 billion in 2016" (http://bit.ly/19QxyDM)

About ICC
ICC (Information Control Company), based in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading provider of enterprise technology solutions. With a staff over 500 highly trained consultants, we are experts in Strategy, User Experience, Visual Design, Engineering, Project Management, Business Analytics and Quality Assurance. Using these skills, we develop and deploy innovative, business-critical solutions that enable Fortune 500 and mid-market organizations to improve operational efficiencies. Our Business, Digital and Technology solutions give our clients a competitive advantage that helps them drive revenues and increase margin.

Clutch Interactive is a world-class digital ad agency inside the walls of ICC. Together, they're a collection of seasoned strategists, user experience specialists, writers, art directors and developers who specialize in the art and science of Interactive Conversations. 

ICC is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and an IBM Premier Business Partner. Clients include Nationwide, Cardinal Health, McGraw Hill, the State of Ohio, and Honda.

ICC is committed to serving its clients, community and country by developing U.S.-based leaders who work hard to strengthen the American economy. More information is available at http://www.icctechnology.com.

Media Contacts:

Theresa Hodgson
ICC
[email protected]
614-523-3070 x106
http://www.icctechnology.com/

Rich Mullikin
Communication Strategy Group for ICC
[email protected]
866-997-2424
www.communicationstrategygroup.com

SOURCE ICC