Press Releases

San Ramon, Calif. – October 31, 2011 – New benchmark research from Ventana Research finds that education organizations are making some progress in their use of business analytics, but spreadsheet use and inaccurate data, among other things, keep them from harnessing the full potential of analytics. The education industry is under increasing pressure to operate more efficiently and make better decisions, and it is vital these organizations comprehend the full potential of business analytics and how to best take advantage of them.

This new benchmark research from Ventana Research, the leading business technology research firm, presents comprehensive, research-based information on education businesses' attitudes towards business analytics. The research shows that many educational organizations are struggling to apply analytics, thanks in part to low budget and lack of accurate data, and have substantial room for improvement. Over half (57 percent) of education business organizations feel the data they use for business analytics is only somewhat accurate. This leads 46 percent to be only somewhat confident or not confident in the quality of the information being generated by their analytics.

"Our new research found that education needs to use its data efficiently to understand where it can improve in servicing its customer, the students and ensure its operational processes are operating at the most efficient level," said Mark Smith, CEO and chief research officer of Ventana Research. "This new industry sector research provides direct insight on education but guides these organizations on what they can do to mature and improve the most cost effectively with the help of accurate, accessible and easy-to-use analytics."

This in-depth industry sector benchmark research on business analytics, the latest from the leading business technology research firm, assessed the maturity and direction of education organizations' efforts around the world. Ventana Research undertook this research to acquire real-world information about maturity, trends and best practices in how they use analytics and key indicators. It explores how they do this now, how they view their existing processes and tools, plans they have to change or improve them, and the benefit they hope to gain by doing so.

To learn more about this benchmark research and view the webinar and listen to Robert Kugel, SVP Research analysis and education on the research, visit: http://www.ventanaresearch.com/eduba. As a part of your registration you will receive insights and education from Ventana Research on using technology effectively in business. Ventana Research thanks those that participated in the benchmark and our media and association partners who helped make this vertical industry research a reality. Ventana Research provides guidance to organizations in business analytics through its Ventana OnDemand (http://www.ventanaresearch.com/ondemand) and with its assessment and educational services offerings. (http://www.ventanaresearch.com/services/)

About Ventana Research

Ventana Research is the most authoritative and respected benchmark business technology research and advisory services firm. We provide insight and expert guidance on mainstream and disruptive technologies through a unique set of research-based offerings including benchmark research and technology evaluation assessments, education workshops and our research and advisory services, Ventana OnDemand. Our unparalleled understanding of the role of technology in optimizing business processes and performance and our best practices guidance are rooted in our rigorous research-based benchmarking of people, processes, information and technology across business and IT functions in every industry. This benchmark research plus our market coverage and in-depth knowledge of hundreds of technology providers means we can deliver education and expertise to our clients to increase the value they derive from technology investments while reducing time, cost and risk.

Ventana Research provides the most comprehensive analyst and research coverage in the industry; business and IT professionals worldwide are members of our community and benefit from Ventana Research’s insights, as do highly regarded media and association partners around the globe. Our views and analyses are distributed daily through blogs and social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Business Week’s Business Exchange.

To learn how Ventana Research advances the maturity of organizations’ use of information and technology through benchmark research, education and advisory services, visit www.ventanaresearch.com.

Media: Copies of benchmark research report and interviews are available upon request.

Media Contact:

Bailey Donoghue

(925) 242-2412

marketing@ventanaresearch.com