Big-Data Requires Big Leap of Faith for Telcos, Heavy Reading Finds

NEW YORK -- Big data can revolutionize the way telecom operators build, run and market their services, changing the nature of what they sell, but analysis processes must be reengineered to ensure that big data insights can be used so the organization can quickly, cost-efficiently and effectively adapt, according to the latest report from Heavy Service Provider IT Insider (www.heavyreading.com/servsoftware), a subscription research service from Heavy Reading (www.heavyreading.com).

Big Data: Big Cost or Big Opportunity? explores the progress telecom operators are making in terms of their efforts to exploit their data assets. It reviews the ways in which big data can be used; how operators have been using it; and explores lessons learned that fast followers should consider. It also analyzes the types of companies that are emerging/have emerged to support telecom big data projects, the products and services they provide and how they compare. It additionally includes profiles leading providers of big data solutions for the telecom sector.

For a list of companies covered in this report, http://twimgs.com/audiencedevelopment/LRHR/PDFS/spiti1013_companies.pdf

"Big data is the big topic of conversation in many a big board room around the world," says Simon Sherrington, research analyst with Heavy Reading Service Provider IT Insider and author of the report. "People are excited about the potential of big data to drive big changes in the way organizations are run, innovate and interact with customers and potential customers."

Big data will only be effective if people can trust the analytics, Sherrington says. "There is a big leap of faith required before machine-generated insights can be allowed to drive automated network changes, adaptation of traffic management policies or automated service marketing," he continues. "Telecom operators must recognize that big data offers them a very rare opportunity to revolutionize their businesses but also that have the data itself is not enough."

Key findings of Big Data: Big Cost or Big Opportunity? include the following: