Cloud Tech News

There is currently quite a buzz around the concept of advanced analytics, as organisations look to predict future outcomes more effectively, based on a detailed understanding of what has actually happened in the past rather than testing theoretical hypotheses based on statistical analysis. Put simply, the better the analysis, the better-informed decisions will be around anticipating – and responding effectively to - future demand.

Oracle recently held its third annual Industry Analyst World conference at its Redwood Shores headquarters, and it came as no surprise to Ovum that business analytics featured as one of six major track themes (aligning nicely with Big Data and Analytics Super Theme for 2013). Oracle's business intelligence and enterprise performance portfolio is undoubtedly impressive in both breadth and depth...

Maintaining security that meets the risk and compliance requirements of the enterprise is a constant challenge. Systems and networks are becoming more open and accessible, but at the same time, threats have become more advanced, persistent, and complex.

Relying on cloud computing strategies to free up dollars and time that can quickly be re-invested in product and service innovation emerged as the highest priority for respondents in a recent Rackspace survey. While cost reductions were significant, the greatest contributions were seen in investments in innovation (48%), new product & service development (45%), and boosting sale efforts (38%).

Using analytics to better understand the cloud computing job market is fascinating. One of the most advanced companies in this area is Wanted Analytics, who aggregates job postings from over 500 job boards and maintains a database of over 600 million unique job listings.

A presentation from Dennis Giokas on cloud computing in healthcare was quite visionary in how cloud will evolve and grow in e-health; in particular, the forecast of increasing use of SaaS as a delivery model. This is a simple and logical part of the cloud trend, of course, but exciting to see it described in both strategy and real world terms.

Retailers and marketers often face the challenge of getting coupons, offers and promotions delivered at the perfect time and in the right context to their customers.

Ian Foddering, CTO at Cisco UK & Ireland explores why big data is climbing further up the strategic agenda and considers why usage can now be seen as mainstream rather than niche.