Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 15 | Page 16

ENTERPRISE TECHNOLOGY Storage innovation driving deep analytics and artificial intelligence Convergence of compute, storage, applications and cloud are creating opportunities for channel partners to offer agility, simplify complexity and translate analytics into business outcomes. By Arun Shankar. I n 2018, the UAE’s business community will reach the tipping point for datafication, information management and Big Data analytics, industry experts have pointed out. Datafication is seeing every organisation use a virtuous cycle of data, with applications and social media generating new and different types of data to analyse and propel digital transformation journeys. These insights foster new business models and data, from government agencies managing mega- events crowds, to healthcare providers 16 using digital records to predict treatment effectiveness for patients. Reflecting the strong growth of Big Data, data analysis and data mining ranks as the most in-demand skill by employers in the GCC, and could create 1.3 million new jobs by 2025, according to a recent Strategy& report. GCC organisations have stored historical data for decades. The UAE is at the forefront of datafication, especially with data analytics technology being embedded in the DNA of Smart City and Expo 2020 Dubai plans. The difference is that data analytics tools are now more affordable and easier to use than ever before. Led by government spending, the Middle East and Africa Big Data and analytics revenues will grow by 45% to $3.2 billion by 2020, according to IDC. “Every industry vertical can use datafication to uncover historic trends and predict customer and citizen needs, driving new digital business models and transforming daily lives,” said Savitha Bhaskar, COO of Condo Protego. “Channel partners should help develop digital Issue 15 INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS