Info Pros Get More Involved with Big Data
Jinfo Blog

By Richard Corbridge

Abstract

Richard Corbridge of the National Institute for Health Research explains how his organisation has seized the opportunities created by the big data explosion and discusses the "trend rift" in the information professionals and how this relates to the "Suits" and "Hoodies" approach.

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The old adage seek forgiveness not permission could well hold true for the information professional wanting to make the most of the big data disruption within their organisation. Being agile in recognising the benefits of easing the big data explosion is key to ensuring that an information team can transform their organisation. In our organisation we have seized upon the big data opportunity and have been able to deliver quite startling benefits quickly and to the front line of research in the NHS, however we have always remained mindful of the controls around data, be that commercial or governance.

I've heard big data described as causing a “trend rift” in the information professional group, on the one side are the Suits and on the other are the Hoodies. The suits expect, no, need, process agreement, signed off data models and assurance; whereas the hoodies are happy to act quick, download a piece of open source analytics and deliver the answer, no questions asked.

The information professional needs to be able to make a decision each time an opportunity manifests itself: do they want to go down the route of the Hoodie - or is the Suit approach required? By being able to make this decision, the best of both the big data explosion and a governed and repeatable world can be achieved, therefore delivering a business analytics capability that drives insight from information and creates business intelligence in an organisation.

Richard commented on series producer Victor Camlek's article on opportunities for information professionals in big data.

Editor's Note: Big Data in Action

This article is part of the FreePint Topic Series: Big Data in Action, which includes articles, reports, webinars and resources published between April and June 2013. Learn more about the series here.

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