Must Attend Predictive Analytics Events in 2024: Key Insights

Data Science

Article | February 16, 2022

Contents: 1 Introduction 2 Top Data Storage Trends That Simplify Data Management 2.1 AI Storage Continues to be The Chief 2.2 Price Markdown in Flash Storage 2.3 Hybrid Multi Cloud for The Win 2.4 Increased Significance of Software-Defined Storage 2.5 Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) Beats Data Center Fabrics 2.6 Acceleration of Storage Class Memory 2.7 Hyperconverged Storage – A Push to Edge Computing 3 The Future of Data Storage 1. Introduction There’s more to data than just to store it. Organizations not only have the responsibility of dealing with a plethora of data, but are also anticipated of safeguarding it. One of the primary alternatives that enterprises are indulging in to keep up with the continuous data expansion is data storage entities and applications. A recent study conducted by Statista revealed that worldwide spending on data storage units is expected to exceed 78 billion U.S. dollars by 2021. Going by these storage stats, it can be certainly said that data is going to be amplified at a much faster rate, and companies do not have a choice but to be geared up for a data boom and still be relevant. When it comes to data management/storage, information technology has risen to all its glory with concepts like machine learning. While the idea of such profound approaches is thrilling, the real question boils down to whether organizations are ready as well as equipped enough to handle them. The answer to this might be NO. But, can companies make changes and still thrive? Most definitely, YES! To make this concept more understandable, here is a list of changes/trends that companies should adopt to make data storage a lot more easy and secure. 2. Top data storage trends that simplify data management Data corruption is one big issue that most companies face. The complications that unfold further because of the corruption of data are even more complicated to resolve. To fix this and other such data storage problems, companies have come up with trends that are resilient and flexible. These trends have the capability of making history in the world of technology, so, you better gear up to learn and later adapt to them. 2.1 AI storage continues to be the chief The speed with which AI hit the IT world just doesn’t seem to slow down even after all these years. We say this because, amongst all other concepts that were and are constantly being introduced, artificial intelligence is one applied science that has made the most amount of innovations. To further add to this, AI is now making enterprise data storage process easier with its various subsets like machine learning and deep learning. This technology is helping companies in accumulating multiple layers of data in a more assorted format. It is automating IT storages including data migrating, archiving, protecting, etc. With AI, companies will be able to control data storage across multiple locations and storage platforms. 2.2 Price markdown in Flash storage As per a report by Markets and Markets, the overall All-Flash Array Market was valued at USD 5.9 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach USD 17.8 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 24.53% during this period. This growth only states that the need for all-flash storage is only going to broaden. Flash storage has always been a choice that most companies stayed away from mainly because of the price. But with this new trend of adopting flexible data storage ways coming in, flash storage has been offered at a much-depreciated price. The drop in the cost of this storage technology will finally enable businesses of all sizes to invest in this high-performance solution. READ MORE: HOW BUSINESS ANALYTICS ACCELERATES YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH 2.3 Hybrid multi cloud for the win With data growing every minute, just a “cloud” strategy will not be enough. In this wave of data storage services, hybrid multi-cloud is one concept that is helping manage off-premises data. With this growing concept, IT authorities will be able to collect, segregate and store, on-premises, and off-premises data in a much-sophisticated manner. This will enable in centrally managing while reducing the effort of data storage by automating policy-based data placement across a hybrid of multi-cloud and storage types. 2.4 Increased significance of software-defined storage More the data, less reliability on hardware devices – this is the growing attitude of most companies. This fear certainly has the possibility of becoming a reality. Hence, an addition to the cybersecurity strategy that companies can make is adopting software-defined storage. This approach of data storage disconnects the underlying physical storage hardware. It is programmed in a way that can function on policy-based management of resources, automated provision, and computerized storage capacity reassignment. Due to the automated function, scaling up and down of data is also faster. Some of the biggest advantages of this trend will be the governance, data protection, and security it will provide to the entire loop. 2.5 Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) beats data center fabrics NVMe – as ornate as the name sounds, is a concept that is freshly introduced with the aim of making data storage simpler. Non-Volatile Memory Express is a concept that enables accessibility of high-speed storage media. It is a protocol that is showing great results in a short amount of time of its inception. NVMe not only increases the performance value of existing applications, but also enables new applications to real-time workload processing. This feature of high performance and low latency is surely a highlight of the concept. All in all, this entire trend seems to have a lot of potential that are yet to be explored. READ MORE: HOW TO MAXIMIZE VALUE FROM DATA COLLECTED FOR BUSINESSES SUCCESS 2.6 Acceleration of storage class memory Storage class memory is a perfect combination of flash storage and NVMe. This is because it perfectly fills in the gap between server storage and external storage. As data protection is one of the major concerns of enterprises, this upcoming trend, does not only protect data but also continually stores and improves it for easier segregation. A clear advantage that storage class memory has over flash and NVMe storages is that it provides memory-like byte-addressable access to data thus reducing piling up of irrelevant data. Another benefit of this trend is that it indulges in deeper integration of data for ensuring high performance and top-level data security. 2.7 Hyperconverged storage – a push to edge computing The increased demand for hyper converged storage is a result of the growth of hybrid cloud and software-defined infrastructure. Besides these technologies, its suitability for retail settings and remote offices is add on to its already existing set of features. It’s the capability of capturing data from a distance also enables cost-effectiveness and scales down the need to store everything on a public cloud. Hyper converged storage if used in its true essence can simplify IT operations and data storage for enterprises of all sizes. 3. The future of data storage According to the Internet World Stats, more than 4.5 billion internet users around the world relentlessly create an astronomical amount of data. This translates to propel companies into discovering methods or applications that help them store this data safe from harmful ransomware attacks and still use it productively for their advantage. One of the prime changes that can be estimated about the future of data storage is that companies will have to adapt to the rapid changes, and mould their process to enable quick and seamless storage of data. Another enhancement would be that IT managers and responsible authorities would have to be updated and proactive at all times to know what data storage has been newly introduced, and how it can be used for the company’s advantage. Here’s a thing, amongst all the research that enterprises are conducting, not all data storage technologies will end up becoming a hit, and will fulfil the specification of high-speed storage. But, looking at all the efforts that researchers are taking, we don’t think they are going to stop any sooner and neither is the augmentation of data!

Business Intelligence, Big Data Management, Data Science

Article | May 2, 2023

Gain a competitive edge in data by leveraging advanced visualization strategies that cater to the unique needs of your organization, empowering you to navigate complexities with clarity and precision. Contents 1. Data Visualization for Strategic Decision-Making 2. Advancements in Visualization: Strategies for Maximum Impact 2.1. AI-Enhanced Predictive Visualization 2.2. Immersive Experiences with AR and VR 2.3. Data Storytelling for Impactful Communication 2.4. Natural Language Processing in Data Visualization 2.5. Complex Charts 2.6. Harnessing Animation for Advanced Data Visualization 2.7. Customizing Approaches for Diverse Fields 2.8. Data Sonification 2.9. Holographic Data Immersion 2.10. Integrated Charting Approach 3. Key Takeaways 1. Data Visualization for Strategic Decision-Making Data visualization has evolved beyond its initial function as a simple means of presenting data; it has now developed into a discipline of study, an art form, and a means of intellectual communication. A profound shift is occurring in the way one perceives and interacts with data in the era of big data. The domain between the depths of AI's predictive gaze and the pinnacle of holographic immersion represents a dynamic platform that is ready to create a significant influence. 2. Advancements in Visualization: Strategies for Maximum Impact As traditional strategies evolve and novel concepts emerge, businesses must consider the implications of this shift on every aspect of their lives. Are the enterprises prepared for this visualization metamorphosis, or do they risk being overtaken by the technology the human race has meticulously crafted? 2.1. AI-Enhanced Predictive Visualization Predictive visualization is at the forefront of strategic decision-making in modern data-intensive situations. The predictive capabilities of AI are transforming the field of data visualization, allowing stakeholders to gain valuable insights from data analysis. With interactive content yielding 52.6% more engagement than static alternatives, there is a clear preference for dynamic and user-responsive visualizations using AI. AI enables proactive decision-making by predicting future data visualization trends and patterns, thus reducing risks and maximizing opportunities. Integrating AI with visualization tools enhances data-driven decision-making processes, offering stakeholders actionable insights for strategic planning and operational optimization. AI-enhanced predictive visualization is a best practice as it empowers organizations to leverage advanced technologies for forecasting and strategic decision-making. By providing intuitive graphical representations of predictive analytics results, it streamlines complex data interpretation and fosters a culture of data-driven innovations in visualization techniques. 2.2. Immersive Experiences with AR and VR Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) are providing data with a physical aspect, creating immersive experiences that go beyond the limitations of two-dimensional screens. A study conducted by the INFORMS Journal of Applied Analytics reveals that the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in data presentation is resulting in substantial benefits. These include a notable 45% improvement in decision-making time and a significant 30% decrease in errors. AR in Business: Interactive experiences deepen customer engagement, offering a more tangible understanding of products or services. Aids in complex assembly, maintenance, and training by overlaying digital information onto real-world objects, streamlining processes, and reducing errors. Transforms marketing strategies by enabling immersive product demonstrations and virtual try-ons, leading to informed purchasing decisions and increased sales. VR in Business: Creates realistic training environments for high-risk industries (e.g., aviation, healthcare), allowing for skill development in a safe, controlled setting. Leveraged to visualize and iterate on product designs in a cost-effective manner, significantly reducing the time and resources spent on physical prototypes. Facilitate immersive remote collaboration, enabling teams to interact in a virtual space as if they were physically present, enhancing teamwork and productivity. 2.3. Data Storytelling for Impactful Communication Visualization relies on effective communication, and data storytelling is the catalyst that brings charts and graphs to life. The inclusion of numbers in a story enhances its power. Data storytelling communication effectiveness by conveying data insights through compelling narratives, fostering stakeholder engagement and driving informed decision-making. Data storytelling promotes knowledge retention and alignment across diverse stakeholders, leading to more effective collaboration and next level data visualization strategic implementation. This approach bridges the gap between data analysis and stakeholder communication, ensuring that insights are not only understood but also acted upon. Crafting narratives around data, organizations humanize complex information, making it accessible and actionable for decision-makers at all levels. 2.4. Natural Language Processing in Data Visualization The combination of data visualization and natural language processing (NLP) introduces a new universal language, where visual representations and textual explanations work together to simplify the understanding of complex data. The global natural language processing market size was valued at USD 24.10 billion in 2023. The market is projected to grow from USD 29.71 billion in 2024 to USD 158.04 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.2% during the forecast period. NLP improves comprehension and decision-making by transforming unstructured text data into visual insights, enabling faster and more accurate analysis in businesses. NLP-powered data visualization enhances information extraction, summarization, and interpretation, facilitating a deeper understanding of textual data and driving actionable insights. By visualizing textual information, organizations unlock hidden insights, optimize decision-making processes, and gain a competitive advantage in data-driven industries. 2.5. Complex Charts Data visualization benefits from complexity. Although simple bar charts or pie graphs may be suitable for certain situations, the strategic utilization of sophisticated visualizations like Sankey diagrams or chord charts can effectively clarify intricate data linkages with unmatched clarity. The complex charts approach facilitates deeper insights and informed decision-making by visualizing intricate data relationships and patterns in a comprehensive manner. Complex charts enable multivariate analysis, hierarchical structuring, and interactive exploration, empowering stakeholders to extract actionable insights from complex data sets. Complex charts prove to be a best practice in data visualization as they maximize information density while maintaining clarity and coherence. This advanced technique for data presentation leverages sophisticated graphical representations, organizations effectively communicate complex data relationships, enabling stakeholders to make data-driven decisions with confidence and precision. 2.6. Harnessing Animation for Advanced Data Visualization Animation is a powerful tool for enhancing data visualization by adding dynamic elements that convey temporal or procedural information. Leveraging animation techniques, enables transitions, morphs, and interactive animations, making data visualizations more engaging, interactive, and memorable. Animation can illustrate data trends over time, reveal patterns through sequence, or guide users through complex data structures. When used wisely, animation enriches the user experience, clarifies data relationships, and enhances the impact of data visualization for decision-making and communication purposes. Animation in data visualization enriches the user experience and clarifies data relationships. Organizations can thus create more compelling and impactful data visualizations that resonate with stakeholders and drive meaningful actions. 2.7. Customizing Approaches for Diverse Fields Data visualization is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Adapting visualization methodologies to other areas, such as banking or healthcare, recognizes the intricacies of data contextualization. 74% of organizations believe that data visualization helps them access and view data more efficiently than other methods. Tailoring advanced data visualization techniques to specific industries enhances relevance and effectiveness, leading to improved decision-making and strategic outcomes. Understanding industry dynamics and stakeholder needs is crucial, so organizations can deliver insights that address sector-specific challenges and opportunities. Adapting to customized methodologies, technologies, and solutions to suit specific domains, enables organizations to maximize the utility and impact of data visualization efforts. This drives the tangible role of data visualization in businesses’ value and differentiation in the marketplace. 2.8. Data Sonification Data sonification involves the process of translating data sets into sound, allowing users to perceive and interpret data through auditory cues rather than visual representation alone. This approach offers an alternative means of data analysis and exploration, particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments or for situations where visual displays may be impractical or overwhelming. By leveraging sound patterns and frequencies to represent data attributes, data sonification enhances accessibility and enables users to gain insights from data through auditory perception. Data sonification provides accessibility for visually impaired users and offers an alternative mode of data analysis. It fosters inclusivity and ensures that insights derived from data are accessible to all stakeholders, thereby promoting diversity and equity within organizations. It expands the reach of data visualization beyond visual channels, accommodating diverse user needs and preferences. 2.9. Holographic Data Immersion Holographic data immersion, the utilization of holographic technology to create immersive data visualization experiences offers unique perspectives and insights, allowing users to manipulate and analyze data from various angles and scales, ultimately elevating the impact of data visualization in decision-making processes and knowledge discovery. By projecting 3D holograms of data sets, users can interact with and explore data in a spatially immersive environment, enhancing comprehension and engagement. It provides a novel and immersive way to explore complex data sets, fostering deeper understanding and engagement among users. The strategic approach enhances the role of data visualization in decision-making processes by enabling stakeholders to interact with data in a spatially immersive environment, facilitating more informed and intuitive insights. 2.10. Integrated Charting Approach An integrated charting approach involves the strategic combination of multiple chart types within a single visualization to convey comprehensive insights and facilitate nuanced analysis. By integrating diverse chart types, such as bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts, within a unified visualization framework, users can gain a holistic understanding of complex data relationships and trends. This maximizes information density while maintaining clarity and coherence, enabling users to extract actionable insights more effectively and efficiently. This approach of integrated charting maximizes information density while maintaining clarity and coherence. By presenting data in a visually rich and contextually relevant format, organizations can effectively communicate insights and drive actionable outcomes. 3. Key Takeaways Organizations aiming to optimize the impact of their data-driven projects must utilize innovative techniques in the evolving technological field of data visualization. The future of data visualization is poised for groundbreaking advancements driven by emerging technologies and evolving user needs. As AI continues to refine predictive analytics, data visualization tools will offer more sophisticated forecasting capabilities, empowering organizations to anticipate trends and make proactive decisions. As these future-proof data visualization tactics continue to shape the future of data visualization, organizations must embrace innovation and adapt their strategies to stay ahead in the data-driven arena. Integrating advanced visual techniques with a profound respect for human perception enhances understanding and ensures data's accessibility to all. This collaborative effort, involving technologists, designers, communicators, and consumers, is essential to harnessing the full potential of data visualization and safeguarding its integrity.

Business Intelligence, Big Data Management, Data Science

Article | April 13, 2023

Explore top business intelligence events in 2023 to leverage unparalleled networking opportunities, engaging discussions, and cutting-edge technologies. Stay ahead and unlock the true potential of BI. The ability to harness data and make informed decisions has become paramount for success in the increasingly data-driven world. To stay ahead of the curve and leverage the power of data, professionals in this field must actively engage in continuous learning, networking, and exploring the latest trends and technologies. Fortunately, there are numerous business intelligence conferences and events that cater specifically to the needs of business intelligence professionals. These gatherings provide industry experts, thought leaders and practitioners a platform to share their knowledge, exchange ideas, and showcase cutting-edge solutions. This article will explore a curated list of top BI events to attend for business intelligence and analytics professionals. These events are designed to empower professionals in their journey toward data-driven excellence. Delve into the world of business intelligence and analytics and uncover the key features and benefits of each event. 1.2023 International Conference on Business Analytics for Operations Excellence & Resilience (BAOER 2023) July 15 - 17, 2023 | Singapore BAOER (Business Analytics for Operations Excellence & Resilience) is a highly anticipated annual meeting that serves as a premier platform for industry professionals, researchers, and practitioners to gather and explore the latest advancements in business analytics. The event encompasses various engaging activities, including keynote talks, invited talks, oral presentations, poster presentations, and online sessions. One of the distinguishing features of BAOER is its commitment to quality and academic rigor. The conference invites submissions of papers and abstracts on various topics related to business analytics for Operations Excellence & Resilience, which undergo a meticulous peer-review process by the esteemed Conference Technical Program Committee. Accepted papers are not only presented at the conference but also hold the opportunity to be published in the prestigious International Conference Proceedings. By bringing together a diverse group of authors and speakers from across nations and regions, BAOER fosters a vibrant exchange of ideas and fresh perspectives. Attendees can delve into both theoretical and practical aspects of Operations Excellence & Resilience, gaining valuable insights and building fruitful connections. 2.Melbourne Business Analytics Conference August 2, 2023 | Melbourne (Australia) In today's fast-paced world, where AI and automation play a pivotal role, businesses must adapt and embrace data and digital transformation to remain competitive. With this in mind, Melbourne Business Analytics Conference is, focused on the compelling theme of 'Leading the way: Navigating Data and Digital Transformation in the Age of AI & Automation.' This highly anticipated event will bring together esteemed analytics academics, executives, and practitioners from around the globe. The program will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers who will share their cutting-edge research, real-world experiences, and success stories. Over 600 board members, senior executives, and industry professionals will converge for a power-packed, one-day conference. It will serve as an exceptional platform for knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities. The conference aims to equip Australian businesses with the tools and insights needed to gain a distinctive advantage by harnessing the trilingual insights of business, technology, and mathematics. Participants can expect to immerse themselves in the latest advancements in Machine Learning, AI, and advanced Data Analytics business applications. These valuable insights will help organizations optimize their strategies, drive innovation, and make data-driven decisions. 3.OSU Business Analytics Conference 2023 October 4 - 5, 2023 | Portland (Oregon) Prepare to embark on a unique learning journey at the 4th annual Business Analytics Conference hosted by the Oregon State Center for Business Analytics. This in-person event offers an unparalleled experience, allowing participants to learn from esteemed analytics experts in a dynamic combination of hands-on activities and engaging lectures. This year's conference will strongly emphasize on AI trends, forthcoming technical breakthroughs, innovative applications of AI, and the implications and opportunities it presents for businesses. The panel sessions will feature industry experts alongside faculty members from the College of Business, Engineering, and Liberal Arts. This diverse range of perspectives ensures a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter. Gain invaluable insights into integrating AI programs into your daily operations & long-term planning, along with the growing impact of AI on business strategies, operations, and the workforce. The event will serve as a platform for stimulating discussions around the changes and opportunities that AI can bring and equip organizations with the knowledge and readiness required to navigate the AI landscape effectively. 4.Future Data Driven Summit 2023 September 27, 2023 | Online The Future Data Driven Summit is a prestigious online event that centers around the Microsoft Data Platform, offering attendees an unparalleled opportunity to stay updated on the latest developments in the field. This highly anticipated summit aims to provide valuable insights and knowledge pertaining to Data & AI, DevOps, PowerBI & Visualization, Integration & Automation, and cloud infrastructure. Catering to a diverse audience of IT professionals, data engineers & analysts, data scientists, AI & machine learning engineers, business analysts, and developers, the Future Data Driven Summit will ensure that each participant can derive immense value from the event. With its comprehensive range of topics and sessions, this summit will cater to the needs and interests of professionals across various domains within the data ecosystem. Attendees will be privileged to engage in informative sessions led by subject matter experts, witness hands-on demos of cutting-edge technologies, and gain profound insights from industry leaders' keynote speeches. By participating in these activities, attendees can expand their knowledge base, enhance their skill sets, and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the Microsoft Data Platform. 5.TDWI Executive Summit for Analytics August 7 - 8, 2023 | San Diego (California) The TDWI Executive Summit for Analytics is an interactive and highly curated event specifically designed for business leaders, data science professionals, and IT executives who bear the responsibility of selecting, managing, and extracting value from analytics applications, AI/ML, business intelligence, and the underlying data that powers them. Organizations today constantly rely on analytics to drive innovation, attract and retain customers, improve operational efficiency, and effectively manage risk. However, TDWI has identified a common challenge many organizations face—struggling to progress in their analytics journey. These difficulties often result in user frustration, errors, and increased costs. By attending the TDWI Executive Summit for Analytics, participants can acquire invaluable knowledge on accelerating their analytics journey and achieving optimal business outcomes. The event places a specific focus on deriving the highest value from data assets through analytics and AI/ML into strategies for fostering stakeholder collaboration and effectively scaling analytics and AI/ML initiatives, including the implementation of MLOps—a methodology for managing the machine learning lifecycle. Additionally, the summit will explore emerging trends and technologies, such as generative AI, enabling attendees to stay ahead of the curve. 6.Business Intelligence & Analytics Conference Europe November 7 - 10, 2023 | London (UK) The Business Intelligence & Analytics Conference Europe presents a unique and immersive four-day experience focused on learning and networking. This exceptional business intelligence event offers attendees unparalleled opportunities to connect and collaborate with professionals from Europe and beyond. The conference will encompass five tracks and hosts over 45 sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse range of topics to explore. Through a myriad of fascinating case studies, attendees can learn from various organizations' past successes and challenges. This firsthand knowledge-sharing provides invaluable practical insights that can be applied in real-world scenarios. Broadening knowledge and gaining insights from internationally renowned experts is a key highlight of the event. These experts bring their wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront, sharing innovative approaches and best practices that can drive success in business intelligence and analytics. A notable roster of esteemed organizations participated in the previous year's conference edition. Among notable names were Aizonic, Allianz, AstraZeneca, Bank of England, Dufrain, Volva Penta and many more. The presence of such esteemed organizations further reinforces the conference's credibility and significance within the industry. 7.Data & Analytics Live July 25, 2023 | Online Data & Analytics Live is a highly immersive event that brings a multitude of data and analytics professionals from across North America, offering a full day of learning, networking, and collaboration, catering to newcomers to the field and seasoned industry leaders. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights and takeaways from renowned speakers sharing their insights into the solutions required to address the most pressing challenges faced by the data and analytics community. These thought leaders will provide invaluable perspectives and expertise, guiding participants toward effective strategies and innovative approaches. One of the key highlights of Data & Analytics Live is the opportunity to discover the latest trends and solutions provided by leading industry providers. Navigating uncharted territory in the data and analytics landscape can be complex, but this event will equip attendees with the knowledge and resources to navigate confidently. Data & Analytics Live will offer a glimpse into how data and analytics are revolutionizing businesses across industries and serves as a unique platform to interact with industry leaders, influential technologists, and pioneering data scientists shaping the future of data and analytics. 8.Customer Analytics Summit September 10 - 12, 2023 | Jersey City (New Jersey) The Customer Analytics Summit is an exciting event designed specifically for professionals in the data and customer insights community. Tailored to address the most pertinent issues in this field, the summit provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from highly successful leaders in data and customer insights. This event will offer an authentic peer-to-peer learning experience, fostering meaningful exchanges among professionals who understand the challenges and opportunities within the data and analytics space. The Customer Analytics Summit showcases renowned industry leaders who will share their expertise and experiences in maximizing the potential of data-driven insights. Attendees will discover how these leaders have harnessed data-driven, actionable insights to unlock exceptional customer value. In addition to insightful presentations, the summit will also provide focused individual discussion groups. These groups offer a platform for in-depth conversations on topics currently shaping the data and analytics landscape. Moreover, the summit will include interactive workshops that provide hands-on training on the latest tools, techniques, and strategies in data and analytics. The Customer Analytics Summit is a must-attend event for professionals seeking to stay at the forefront of the data and customer insights industry. 9.BI Innovation & Tech Fest September 18 - 19, 2023 | Sandton (South Africa) The business intelligence, analytics, and data environment is undergoing an extraordinary transition in today's rapidly evolving world. In this context, the annual BI Innovation & Tech Fest stands out as a premier event that celebrates and empowers individuals passionate about driving innovation in the business intelligence function from multiple perspectives - people, processes, and technology. This extraordinary BI event will provide attendees with a world-class experience, offering an unparalleled agenda that covers a wide range of topics critical to the industry. Whether exploring the latest advancements in AI and machine learning applied to business intelligence, mastering data reporting, visualization, and time analytics or delving into cloud-based BI and self-service BI, the event will present a comprehensive platform to stay ahead of the curve. One of the highlights of BI Innovation & Tech Fest is its emphasis on creating opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attendees will gain access to leading partners and vendors in the business intelligence space, providing valuable insights into cutting-edge technologies, tools, and solutions. The event will foster an environment where professionals can exchange ideas, forge new connections, and engage in meaningful conversations that drive innovation and excellence. 10.Big Data LDN (London) September 20-21, 2023 | Olympia London Big Data LDN (London) is the preeminent free-to-attend conference and exhibition in the UK, dedicated to data, analytics, and AI. With a host of renowned experts in these fields, the event equips attendees with the necessary tools to drive their most effective data-driven strategies. It will bring together over 180 leading technology vendors and consultants, providing a platform for in-depth discussions about business requirements and the latest advancements in the industry. One of the event's key highlights is the opportunity to hear from 300 expert speakers across 15 technical and business-led conference theatres. These speakers will present real-world use cases, share insights, and engage in panel debates, providing attendees with valuable knowledge and practical examples to apply in their organizations. In addition, the event offer exceptional networking opportunities, allowing attendees to connect with their peers, industry experts, and thought leaders. This networking aspect is invaluable for fostering collaborations, exchanging ideas, and building relationships to drive future field success. Big Data LDN goes well beyond the conference sessions and exhibitions by offering free on-site data consultancy services. Conclusion Business intelligence and analytics are evolving unprecedentedly, driven by technological advancements, data availability, and the growing need for data-driven decision-making. Attending industry conferences and events is crucial for professionals in this field to stay abreast of the latest trends, learn from experts, network with peers, and discover innovative solutions. Attending these top business intelligence events allows professionals to gain the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to excel in their roles. These conferences provide a platform for sharing ideas, learning best practices, and exploring the latest advancements in the field. They serve as catalysts for growth, enabling individuals to unlock the full potential of data and analytics in their organizations. In this era of data-driven decision-making, seize the opportunities, and embark on a journey of continuous learning and professional development through these top business intelligence events in the BI and analytics domain.

Article | May 12, 2021

If you want an explicit answer without having to know the extra details, then here it is: Yes, there is a possibility that quantum computers can replace supercomputers in the field of high performance computing, under certain conditions. Now, if you want to know how and why this scenario is a possibility and what those conditions are, I’d encourage you to peruse the rest of this article. To start, we will run through some very simple definitions. Definitions If you work in the IT sector, you probably would have heard of the terms ‘high performance computing’, ‘supercomputers’ and ‘quantum computers’ many times. These words are thrown around quite often nowadays, especially in the area of data science and artificial intelligence. Perhaps you would have deduced their meanings from their context of use, but you may not have gotten the opportunity to explicitly sit down and do the required research on what they are and why they are used. Therefore, it is a good idea to go through their definitions, so that you have a better understanding of each concept. High Performance Computing: It is the process of carrying out complex calculations and computations on data at a very high speed. It is much faster than regular computing. Supercomputer: It is a type of computer that is used to efficiently perform powerful and quick computations. Quantum Computing: It is a type of computer that makes use of quantum mechanics’ concepts like entanglement and superposition, in order to carry out powerful computations. Now that you’ve gotten the gist of these concepts, let’s dive in a little more to get a wider scope of how they are implemented throughout the world. Background High performance computing is a thriving area in the sector of information technology, and rightly so, due to the rapid surge in the amount of data that is produced, stored, and processed every second. Over the last few decades, data has become increasingly significant to large corporations, small businesses, and individuals, as a result of its tremendous potential in their growth and profit. By properly analysing data, it is possible to make beneficial predictions and determine optimal strategies. The challenge is that there are huge amounts of data being generated every day. If traditional computers are used to manage and compute all of this data, the outcome would take an irrationally long time to be produced. Massive amounts of resources like time, computational power, and expenses would also be required in order to effectuate such computations. Supercomputers were therefore introduced into the field of technology to tackle this issue. These computers facilitate the computation of huge quantities of data at much higher speeds than a regular computer. They are a great investment for businesses that require data to be processed often and in large amounts at a time. The main advantage of supercomputers is that they can do what regular computers need to do, but much more quickly and efficiently. They have an overall high level of performance. Till date, they have been applied in the following domains: • Nuclear Weapon Design • Cryptography • Medical Diagnosis • Weather Forecasting • Online Gaming • Study of Subatomic Particles • Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic Quantum computers, on the other hand, use a completely different principle when functioning. Unlike regular computers that use bits as the smallest units of data, quantum computers generate and manipulate ‘qubits’ or ‘quantum bits’, which are subatomic particles like electrons or photons. These qubits have two interesting quantum properties which allow them to powerfully compute data – • Superposition: Qubits, like regular computer bits, can be in a state of 1 or 0. However, they also have the ability to be in both states of 1 and 0 simultaneously. This combined state allows quantum computers to calculate a large number of possible outcomes, all at once. When the final outcome is determined, the qubits fall back into a state of either 1 or 0. This property iscalled superposition. • Entanglement: Pairs of qubits can exist in such a way that two members of a pair of qubits exist in a single quantum state. In such a situation, changing the state of one of the qubits can instantly change the state of the other qubit. This property is called entanglement. Their most promising applications so far include: • Cybersecurity • Cryptography • Drug Designing • Financial Modelling • Weather Forecasting • Artificial Intelligence • Workforce Management Despite their distinct features, both supercomputers and quantum computers are immensely capable of providing users with strong computing facilities. The question is, how do we know which type of system would be the best for high performance computing? A Comparison High performance computing requires robust machines that can deal with large amounts of data - This involves the collection, storage, manipulation, computation, and exchange of data in order to derive insights that are beneficial to the user. Supercomputers have successfully been used so far for such operations. When the concept of a quantum computer first came about, it caused quite a revolution within the scientific community. People recognised its innumerable and widespread abilities, and began working on ways to convert this theoretical innovation into a realistic breakthrough. What makes a quantum computer so different from a supercomputer? Let’s have a look at Table 1.1 below. From the table, we can draw the following conclusions about supercomputers and quantum computers - 1. Supercomputers have been around for a longer duration of time, and are therefore more advanced. Quantum computers are relatively new and still require a great depth of research to sufficiently comprehend their working and develop a sustainable system. 2. Supercomputers are easier to provide inputs to, while quantum computers need a different input mechanism. 3. Supercomputers are fast, but quantum computers are much faster. 4. Supercomputers and quantum computers have some similar applications. 5. Quantum computers can be perceived as extremely powerful and highly advanced supercomputers. Thus, we find that while supercomputers surpass quantum computers in terms of development and span of existence, quantum computers are comparatively much better in terms of capability and performance. The Verdict We have seen what supercomputers and quantum computers are, and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios, particularly in the field of high performance computing. We have also gone through their differences and made significant observations in this regard. We find that although supercomputers have been working great so far, and they continue to provide substantial provisions to researchers, organisations, and individuals who require intense computational power for the quick processing of enormous amounts of data, quantum computers have the potential to perform much better and provide faster and much more adequate results. Thus, quantum computers can potentially make supercomputers obsolete, especially in the field of high performance computing, if and only if researchers are able to come up with a way to make the development, deployment, and maintenance of these computers scalable, feasible, and optimal for consumers.