Assignment 1: The New Frontier: Data Analytics Due Week 2 and worth 120 points In this highly competitive business environment, businesses are constantly seeking ways to gain traction and understand...

Running head: THE NEW FRONTIER 1
The New Frontier: Data Analytics
Name
CIS 500
Strayer University
Dr. Meagan Batten
THE NEW FRONTIER 2

Introduction
Data analytics or data analysis has been used for decades in the business world, however
it was never as in depth as it is now. The business environment is highly competitive and as a
way to get ahead, companies have to have an understanding of what customers want and are
purchasing. Since businesses are not mind readers, many have started using business intelligence
(BI) and data analytics to help them. Unfortunately, not everyone understands what data
analytics is, much less what the advantages and disadvantages are or how it can help improve an
organization.
Defined
Data analytics can simply be defined as the art of exploring raw data with the intent of
finding answers about the specific information being looked at. However, it is a little more in
depth than that. Past history is often studied to identify potential trends, determine how certain
decisions or events effected the company, or to evaluate how the performance of a specific tool
or scenario. All of this is done with the goal in mind that by obtaining this knowledge,
companies will be able to make necessary changes and improvements to help the company in
future operations (Analytics, 2015). In most cases, the data needed for the study is collected
using business-to-consumer (B2C) applications. When it comes to global operations, data
associated with business practices, customers, market economics, or practical experience is
collected is collected and analyzed (Janssen, 2014.)
Evolution of Use
Although business intelligence has been used since 1990, the process of data analytics
was not incorporated until the late 2000’s and has more recently been refe
ed to more as big
data or big data analytics. Initially the concept of business intelligence and analytics (BI&A) 1.0
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was used. This is where structured data was collected by companies using various methods and
stored in commercial relational database management systems (RDBMS). Once it was
discovered that the internet could offer additional opportunities in the field BI&A 2.0 was
introduced allowing e-commerce businesses to interact directly with consumers and collect data.
Now the concept refe
ed to as BI&A 3.0 based on mobile and sensor-based content is emerging
due to the fact that more people are using cell phones to conduct day to day operations. In just a
short amount of time the way data is collected and analyzed has developed quickly in order keep
up with the every changing field of technology (Chen, Chiang, & Storey, 2012).
Advantages and Disadvantages
In order to get closer to its customer base, eBay uses data analytics. In an...