From the Editor

Dear Readers,

DM Radio, a live weekly broadcast available at DMReview.com, recently hosted a lively discussion on the topic of Web analytics, its evolution and various uses. The archived conversation put some real business meaning to statistical methods that reflect the new corporate focus on analytics and the importance of interpreting customer behaviors and attitudes.

Analytics is not a new area for us, but its importance merits frequent coverage. Widespread interest in it is evidenced by the popularity of recent publications such as Tom Davenport and Jeanne Harris’s Competing on Analytics and myriad follow-up articles.

New trends and techniques in analytics are constantly being identified and implemented as competitive differentiation methods. Greg Todd emphasizes this fact in his column this month where he states, “The basis for competition is now flawless, efficient execution and decision-making that outsmarts rivals. And the key to both can be found in sophisticated use of analytics.” And competitive differentiation, we all should agree, is absolutely vital in today’s economic climate where consumers/customers are excessively particular - perhaps even frugal - with their expenditures.

However, as one DM Radio guest pointed out, analytics is not worth the investment of time and resources if organizations do not act on the data and insights gleaned from it. I believe a business strategy is required that focuses on the use of analytical capabilities across the enterprise for improved business processes and execution as well as overall gain.

As you ponder how to wisely use analytics within your organization, please enjoy this issue featuring not only analytical trends, but also information management insights related to data quality, change management and governance as well as structured and unstructured data.