In the data decade, data can be an advantage and a burden

In 2016, Dell Technologies commissioned our first Digital Transformation Index (DT Index) study to assess the digital maturity of businesses around the world. Since then we have commissioned the study every two years to track the digital maturity of the business.

Our third part DT index, Launched in 2020 (the year of the pandemic), revealed that it was the third biggest obstacle to transformation “unable to extract statistics from data overload / data”, ranking 11th in 2016. That’s a tremendous leap from the bottom up. to place it near the first place in the classification of barriers to digital transformation.

These findings show a strange paradox: data can make business the first obstacle to transformation even while being their greatest asset. To learn more about why this paradox exists and where businesses need the most support, we asked for an in-depth study with Forrester Consulting.

The analysis of this result, based on a survey of 4,036 senior decision makers responsible for their companies ’data strategies, is as follows: Disseminate data challenges to businesses around the world, is available to read now.

In fact, the research confirms our concerns: in this data decade, data has become a burden and an advantage for many businesses, which depends on whether the business can be ready for the data.

Although Forrester identifies a number of data paradoxes that currently hinder business, three major contradictions stood out to me.

1. The paradox of perception

Two-thirds of respondents say their business is data-driven and that “data is the lifeblood of their organization”. But only 21% say they treat data as capital and currently prioritize its use throughout the business.

Clearly, there is a disconnect here. To shed some light, Forrester created an objective measure for preparing business data (see figure).

The results show that 88% of businesses have not yet developed data technology and processes and / or data culture and skills. In fact, only 12% of businesses are defined as Data Champions: companies that are active in both areas (technology / process and culture / skills).

2. The “they want more than they can handle” paradox

Research has shown that businesses need more data, but they have too much data to manage right now: 70% say they collect data faster than they can analyze and use it, but 67% say they need more data constantly than their current capabilities provide. .

While this is a paradox, it is not so surprising considering the overall nature of the research, such as the proportion of companies that need to ensure data defense at the Commission room level and fall into a scalable IT strategy. bolting in more data lakes).

The effects of this paradox are profound and far-reaching. Six out of 10 companies are struggling with data silos; 64% of respondents complain that they have data abuse that cannot meet security and compliance requirements and 61% say that their team is already overwhelmed with the data they have.

3. The “see without doing” paradox

While the economy suffered during the pandemic, the sector expanded rapidly in demand, creating a new wave that collects all the first data of business data that pays for what they use and uses only what they need. It is determined by the data they generate. and study.

Although these businesses are growing and are doing very well, they remain relatively small in number. Only 20% of companies have moved most applications and infrastructure to a model as a service, although more than 6 in 10 believe that a model as a service would allow companies to be lighter, more scalable and more equipped. applications without complexity.

Together they make progress

There is plenty of research, but there is hope on the horizon. Companies want to review their data strategies with a multi-cloud environment, moving data to a model as a service and automating data processes with machine learning.

The truth is that they have a lot to do to prioritize pumps for data proliferation. Still, there is a way forward, first and foremost, by modernizing their IT infrastructure so that data can be found where they live, on the edge. This means bringing companies’ infrastructure and applications closer to where they need to capture, analyze and operate data – while avoiding data dissemination, while maintaining a consistent multi-cloud operating model.

Secondly, by optimizing data pipesso that data can be placed freely and securely while augmented via AI / ML; and third, by developing software to deliver the personalized and integrated experiences that customers want.

The volume of data, variety, and speed may seem overwhelming, but with the right technology, processes, and culture, companies can tame the data beast, innovate with it, and create new value.

To learn more about the exam, visit www.delltechnologies.com/dataparadox.

This content was created by Dell Technologies. It was not written in the editorial board of the MIT Technology Review.