Fortunately, we somehow got web analytics launched with a firm, outward-facing business orientation and most WA folks try to play it that way, though they still can run into problems getting people to listen!

BI, on the other hand, has always been somewhat isolated and dominated by “scientist” personalities where the analytical work itself is the reward. This means the business application of their work then lacks a champion, there’s no “driver” into the business.

This “annotate and evangelize” culture in WA is at least partially responsible for the business success of WA.

Longer term, I still believe in the “Center of Excellence” concept where BI, WA, and any other top shelf analytical talent work together and share analysis for the greater good. This, coupled with a cross-functional Business SWAT team (evangelize / implement), can do amazing things.

This is the best way to drive “Whole Business” Optimization I have seen.

Excellent points. We had a keynote presentation this morning by Wayne Eckerson (the dashboard luminary) who was basically telling the technical people to stop dreaming about the self-service BI myth. Can’t escape working closely with those business people! I’ll ask around tomorrow to BI people (analysts, that is) about their evangilisation problems. I must admit I was a little surprised by what you say, since companies have been spending huge amounts of money on data warehouses and analytics systems. Eckerson did point out though that their latest research showed BI was still touching only 24% of their audience in organisations.

Yeah! I’d LOVE to hear from our brothers and sisters out there who are involved in both sides. We NEED their inputs!