MAY 2018CIOAPPLICATIONSEUROPE.COM81. In the light of your experience what are the technological trends and challenges you've witnessed happening with respect to the Big Data space?We have all seen a change in the data storage and processing space with storage becoming less expensive, processing power greater and both being more available. These two combined have made 'big data' a possibility for a wider range of organisations. Additionally, the various growing number of 'platform' approaches to data analytics and data science and enterprise systems are now available to the smallest organisations. There has been a democratising of Big Data in this sense. However, the market is very noisy and busy with lots of new suppliers, both small and large, and with many more mature enterprise suppliers updating and expanding their offerings into the Big Data space. Certainly one of the challenges being faced is cutting through the noise and locating an appropriate fit or partner. The challenge may even be more difficult because the best solution maybe a blend of suppliers, fitting together best in breed. This in itself brings internal problems introducing new licensing and procurement models to internal procurement and finance teams. Finally, I think we are seeing a shift, as Big Data becomes more democratised and widely used, from 'Big Data' back to 'data', which is probably a good thing. Big Data in its self doesn't deliver value, it is the science and processes applied to it that deliver the insight.2. Could you talk about your approach to identifying the right partnership/solutions providers from the lot?So to cut through the noise to find the right partnership / solution is very important. The starting point is to fully understand the context of where and how you are going to be using solutions. In simple terms, understanding the IT strategy and your internal constraints and capabilities. I rely on the knowledge, expertise and learning of my senior colleagues and on my peer group in the data world. There is a vast shared experience and expertise that is available and people are very willing to share. Staying abreast of data technology and advances is crucial through media, conferences, expos and supplier meetings.In MyOpinionPETER JACKSON, CHIEF DATA OFFICER, SOUTHERN WATERDEMOCRATISATION OF BIG DATA
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