The best way forward in handling the challenge of big data application in practice is to approach it from a business rather than technology (or analytics) viewpoint. Such an approach is strategic: multidisciplinary, holistic, and with a long-term focus — something that may not always be at the forefront of issues confronting struggling businesses. Big data adoption in a strategic manner requires financial investment, senior management involvement, understanding of risks, and a certain level of process maturity in the organization. This Executive Update presents the outline of a strategic, holistic approach to big data adoption in an organization that helps overcome the current lacuna in the strategic space. This approach is based on the Big Data Framework for Agile Business (BDFAB).