Analytics, is described as: “[An] encompassing and multidimensional field that uses mathematics, statistics, predictive modeling and machine-learning techniques to find meaningful patterns and knowledge in recorded data.” Analytics uses the scientific method where an analyst makes hypotheses and uses the analytics tools to test their premises. Analytics is often broken down into three components: Descriptive […]
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
According to the SAS Institute: “Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform human-like tasks. Most AI examples that you hear about today – from chess-playing computers to self-driving cars – rely heavily on deep learning and natural language processing. Using these technologies, computers can […]
What is Augmented Analytics?
Augmented Analytics combines sophisticated Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to enable users to extract intelligence more quickly and simply. In addition, this kind of automation guides the user toward new insights, through built-in trend pattern recognition and pattern recognition tools. Augmented Analytics share the following characteristics: Smart Data Discovery tools assisting business […]
What is Big Data?
Big Data refers to extremely large data sets of varying types of data – structured, unstructured, and semi-structured – that can be collected, stored, and later analyzed to provide insights for organizations. Big Data’s promise depends on how the data is managed. In the past data was organized in relational models, sometimes within data warehouses, […]
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a distributed database and storage devices for the database are not all connected to a common processor. “A Blockchain or distributed ledger,” as Gartner describes, “is a mechanism for adding trust in an untrusted environment.” Blockchain’s special capabilities in cryptography lead to this increased trust as a medium. Each transaction has a record. […]
What is a Business Glossary?
A Business Glossary differs from a Data Dictionary in that its focal point, Data Governance, goes beyond a Data Warehouse or database. A Business Glossary is a means of sharing internal vocabulary within an organization. Most Business Glossaries share certain characteristics such as standard Data Definitions and documentation of them; Clear definitions with explanation of […]
What is Business Intelligence?
Business Intelligence (BI) includes the technologies and tools used to analyze and report on different business operations. Business Intelligence uses raw data stored in varying data warehouses, data marts, data lakes, and other storage platforms, and transforms it into actionable knowledge/information assets. Such elements include dashboards, spreadsheets, data visualizations, reports, and many others. “In its […]
What is a Chief Data Officer (CDO)?
A Chief Data Officer (CDO) helps bridge the gap between technology and business. This person evangelizes an enterprise-wide Data Management strategy at a senior level. The CDO leads Data Management initiatives, enabling an organization to leverage its data assets and gain a competitive advantage from them. A CDO tends to be part business strategist, adviser, […]
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud Computing provides computation, software, data access, and storage systems without requiring knowledge of the physical location and configuration needed. Cloud Computing may be executed on or off premises, and has adopted virtualization, service-oriented architecture, and utility computing. Databases in the Cloud may be implemented by: Virtual machine image: Users purchase virtual machine instances with […]
What is Cognitive Computing?
Cognitive Computing, a subfield of Artificial Intelligence, simulates human thought processes in machines using self-learning algorithms through data mining, pattern recognition, and Natural Language Processing. These artificial environments rely on Deep Learning algorithms and neural networks to process information by comparing it to a teaching set of data. By mimicking human thought processes, computers help people […]