In This Issue:
Analytics as a Source of Competitive Advantage
Some companies use data analysis to innovate, reduce costs or conquer new markets. Others gather and evaluate reams of data, but seem unable to translate insights into productivity. In this excerpt from Competing on Analytics, authors Thomas Davenport and Jeanne Harris examine how companies use data to gain an edge.
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Dos and Don'ts of Making Better Decisions
The ability to make informed decisions is essential for business success. Yet too often, businesses make important decisions without enough information and knowledge of the options to make a good call. Use these tips to enhance your decision making skills.
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Exclusive White Paper
Clearing
the Way for Faster, Smarter Decisions
To make timely, well-informed decisions, you need fast access to accurate information from every department in your company. You also need time away from fighting fires to focus on priorities. This white paper examines how to gain reliable, accessible information from efficient, integrated IT systems – and how to use that information to make better decisions that lead to improved operations and a stronger competitive position.
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Entrepreneurs: Where Our Economy Gets Its Strength
Ernst & Young's annual Entrepreneur of the Year Awards celebrate the spirit of small businesses across the United States. This year's national winner, Isaac Larian of MGA Entertainment, came to the U.S. from Iran at age 17, started out as a dishwasher, and went on to build the largest privately owned toy company in the world.
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QuickStat: Software-as-a-Service Gains Among SMBs
Spurred by a need for IT solutions that are easy to implement, use and maintain, small and medium businesses are increasingly embracing software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, according to AMI-Partners. Twenty-one percent of small businesses and 31% of medium businesses now use SaaS – double the 2004 adoption percentage.
