The Corner Office

Big data is nothing new, but high-performance analytics is

Keith Collins — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:33:21 +0000

The most exciting thing in the industry right now is not “big data.” It’s “big analytics” or — as we like to call it — high-performance analytics. Speaking from the perspective of somebody who’s been in this industry for many years, big data is not a new issue. We’ve been through this. [...]

Q1 2012 Intelligence Quarterly: Energy transformation 2.0

Mikael Hagstrom — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:06:14 +0000

In this year's first issue of Intelligence Quarterly, we examine the role of analytics in the energy sector of today – and the transformations it could bring to bear for the future. Although news headlines as of late have centered on the economic crisis, the energy discussion is not one [...]

Is big data over hyped?

Jim Davis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:12:56 +0000

We’ve definitely hit the point in the “big data” hype cycle where people are looking critically at the term and asking what all the fuss is about. Some pundits have even speculated about a big data bubble that’s sure to burst after everyone realizes the term has been over-used, and [...]

Davos 2012: How can we embrace opportunities in this risk-filled environment?

Mikael Hagstrom — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:15:00 +0000

A question that is on the forefront of many discussions in Davos this year is how do we create inclusive growth amidst a volatile environment fraught with global risks? The problems are common and shared by governments and businesses around the world; how can they develop strategies to rebalance, identify [...]

SAS = analytics. Analytics = hot.

Jim Davis — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:20:03 +0000

The analytics market is hot. We’ve been saying that for a while now, and so have many industry experts. If you didn’t believe it before now, check out our newly released 2011 financial results and see if that doesn’t convince you. SAS earned US$2.725 billion in revenues last year, a [...]

Retail: the “sophisticated numbers game”

Jim Davis — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:36:19 +0000

Are you a last-minute holiday shopper? Or the type that has everything bought, wrapped and tagged before Thanksgiving? It's safe to say, I do all of my shopping the week before Christmas. Whether you’re shopping late or shopping early, you’re probably looking for the best deals - and so are [...]

Q4 2011 Intelligence Quarterly: Battleground for the future

Mikael Hagstrom — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:01:06 +0000

In the latest edition of Intelligence Quarterly, we explore big data, the transformational influence of analytics – and the implications of both in today’s hyperconnected world. While we live and work in an environment of free-flowing information, we are also exposed to new dangers. Globalization has removed geographical boundaries, and [...]

Inspired by Facebook: Five ways to create a culture of innovation

Jim Davis — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:38:07 +0000

Visitors to the SAS campus in Cary, NC often walk away feeling inspired by our corporate culture and our creative surroundings. I felt the same sense of inspiration after a recent visit to Facebook’s headquarters in Palo Alto. There’s a real energy there that comes partly from the group effort [...]

What do retail banking customers want?

Jim Davis — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:32:51 +0000

What do retail banking customers want? SAS, along with partner Cognizant, recently sponsored two consumer focus groups to answer that question. Conducted by The Bank Administration Institute (BAI), the research revealed some interesting findings, including: Retail banking customers expect clarity and fairness. They want transparency into the fees they pay [...]

Stop asking, Why? And start asking, What if?

Jim Davis — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:16:25 +0000

A few years ago, we had this big debate between the terms business intelligence and business analytics – and which one was more accurate or reflective of the products in our industry. I don’t hear those arguments anymore. Some still say business intelligence and business analytics are one and the [...]