To support diverse decision-making processes, such as manufacturing quality analysis, financial planning or marketing campaigns, one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. Solutions to real business problems require much more than just the right software tools; they require technical expertise and business process knowledge to ensure that tools are implemented and applied to benefit all stakeholders.

This IDC white paper examines the value proposition of business analytics solutions.

After presenting the definition of business analytics, IDC looks at typical challenges faced by organizations, the technologies that are being implemented, and the role consulting services can play in creating successful business integration strategies including:

• BI software analysis and infrastructure design
• Successful development and implementation
• Support services for business analytics initiatives