Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big DataA look back at the 2015 Softchoice Innovation Executive Forum

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

In 2015, the Innovation Executive Forum gathered hundreds of technology leaders across North America.

Not surprisingly, Cloud and Big Data were among the most discussed, debated and dissected topics.

Here are 5 fresh insights gleaned from the IEF members about cloud and big data’s evolutionary impact on businesses, everywhere.

Best of IEF: Cloud and Big Data

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

Got Big Data? Need ethics.

The negative, ethical fallout of Big Data is only starting to be discussed.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

IEF leaders in Calgary discussed a future where a Bluetooth enabled toothbrush could send reports back to your insurance provider, affecting your coverage.

While seemingly banal, several stories are arising showing the urgent need to address the ethics of big data: what information should you collect, and how should you use it? The way businesses answer these questions today will affect consumer trust, and potentially change lives.

IEF Calgary> Read the full report

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

Cloud could vs Cloud should

Not everything has to move to the cloud with blind optimism.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

IEF Los Angeles> Read the full report

In recent years we’ve flipped the script, turning cloud fears into cloud hype. The IEF leaders in Los Angeles argued that both extremes are out of touch with reality.

Sure, you could potentially use the cloud for just about everything, but it doesn’t mean you should. As 2016 heats up for the biggest year ever of cloud adoption, your strategy should be dictated on a case by case basis.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

Data drives new revenue models

In the old days we had to guess when creating new revenue programs. Not anymore.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

IEF Toronto> Read the full report

That quote comes from the IT Director at a national cinema brand. He shared an incredible story of how his company created new revenue streams simply by finding unique ways to collect and then put into action customer data.

The key here is the “put into action” part. As we saw with several IEF leaders, 2015 was a year of big data overload. As we attempt to stay competitive, we must do what the cinema brand has done and collect more data in useful ways - extrapolating from those resources brand new business models.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

The curse of over-modernizers

Over-modernizers do too much – spending too much money and time on technologies that tend to do more harm than good.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

It might seem out of place for a technology company to say this, but there is such a thing as too much innovation.

This was a point that frequently erupted during the IEF discussions. We contrasted the “old school” thinkers, who never modernize, to the ones who simply adopt every single new technology in an effort to keep up with the competition. The problem here is evident. Without the proper due process, a technology likely will not be adopted, and will never meet its intended goals. Technology is a tool, not the solution itself.

IEF New York> Read the full report

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

Big data, big mess.

The problem is information: where it lives, how you get it, how it speaks, how it’s interconnected, how I can slice it, dice it, how I can visualize it.

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

If you want to find data’s true, hidden value you are off to a good start. Just hope that the way you have collected it, the way you have stored it, and the way you can access it is easy, and makes sense to business decision makers. Otherwise, you’re in for a struggle.

IEF leaders in 2015 shared several war stories about collecting plenty of data, and hoping to find a use for it, but simply having no prudent, simple way of achieving that goal. Read our report to see how they’ve solved this issue.

IEF Washington> Read the full report

Best of IEF 2015 | Cloud and Big Data

Explore two more curated reports highlighting the best of IEF thought leadership from 2015.

Want more great advice from the IEF leaders?