Data warehousing, BI, and analytics, in general, are undergoing profound changes. These are resulting from a global, just-in-time, "always-on" business environment that is redefining organizational requirements pertaining to how data is collected, processed, and used. So much data is generated so quickly that it has sparked the advent of new -- or, if you're in an argumentative mood, at least revised -- data management and data analysis technologies and practices, which are beginning to garner increasing attention by organizations seeking to take advantage of their huge data assets.

Back in October (see "Master Data Management Picks Up Speed," 27 October 2009), I said that I was witnessing a growing interest by end-user organizations in master data management (MDM). Several recent developments have taken place that illustrate just how fast the MDM market is advancing. Those developments include data integration vendor Informatica Corporation's purchase of leading MDM vendor Siperian and open source data integration vendor Talend's introduction of an open source MDM offering. Both of these developments are important and deserve further consideration.

This Executive Update, Part III and the final installment, focuses on findings involving customization, integration, and data management as well as backup trends among end-user organizations employing on-demand/cloud-based BI and data warehousing solutions. I also consider the use of cost savings/benefits studies and the impact that on-demand/cloud-based BI and data warehousing solutions are having on traditional BI software licensing.

Learning management systems (LMS) are fast becoming standard business applications, a strategic solution for planning, delivering, and managing all learning events within an organization, including online, virtual classroom, and instructor-led courses. Learning Content Management Systems (LCMS), which enable just-in-time content creation to meet the needs of individual learners or groups of learners are also quickly becoming a companion standard business app. Spend an hour with Lance Dublin and learn how your IT organization can ensure your enterprise truly maximizes the return on its LMS/LCMS investment.