Get Past The Big Data Hype: Understand, Then Implement!

Presented by Michael Kaufman

The Big Data hype is over and it’s time to actually get results.  Not easy when Big Data has been so overhyped, the University of California Berkeley compiled a list of 40 competing, contradictory definitions. But to those who really understand Big Data, it’s a competitive advantage on par with computers or the internet itself. The key is to understand that Big Data is really a collection of different technologies all vaguely clumped together by those who either don't know better or vendors who thinks ambiguity helps sales.  As Thomas Davenport said, "Vendors and consultants will take any new, hot term and apply it to their existing offerings…and that has already happened in spades with Big Data."  In this talk, Big Nimble founder Michael Kauffman cuts through the techno-babble and marketing fog to explain what Big Data actually is and how to use it.

What Is Big Data?  Dodge the Big Data mumbo jumbo, technical weeds and general statements of Big Data's awesome-ness and amazing-ness. Align Big Data technical reality, data scientist skill sets, and business problems. Get Results Out of Big Data. Understand the relative costs, benefits and limitations of Big Data types. Build a Big Data strategy to accomplish the goal.  

"I felt completely frustrated by Big Data.  I couldn't even get anyone to tell me what it is! It wasn't until I saw Michael's presentation that I finally understood Big Data.  And how to benefit from it.   He really has the uncanny ability to make the ambiguous crystal clear."  -- David Carroll, Vice President, Banner Bank

Michael has 20 years’ experience as a technology strategist and attorney for Fortune 100 companies, startups, non-profits, & government both in the US and abroad.  Michael explains technology in plain English and has personally guided numerous teams and organizations in their transition from gut-driven to data-driven. Today, that means understanding Big Data, just the latest in a long line of computer aided decision support technologies stretching back to the 1950’s. As Michael has done with previous technology, he clears the Big Data marketing fog so people can make informed, strategic and profitable decisions.