Optimizing BI: Getting the Most for Your Money

by Brian J. Dooley

Not only are business intelligence (BI) solutions becoming increasingly important for corporate decision making, they are also becoming critical parts of the IT infrastructure. The products in this market as well as their capabilities have grown in recent years, just as the demands being placed on BI have increased. Systems are moving toward deeper analysis of business processes and operations, while at the same time requiring more immediate response. Though most corporations have BI solutions in place, consolidation into a single, integrated, enterprise-wide system is now becoming essential. Because of the numerous components that may be included, this can result in considerable cost at a time when companies are attempting to cut capital expenditures. Thus, careful selection of a system that is adequate, efficient, and cost-effective has become imperative.