A survey of global organizations showed only 10 percent of respondents reported that their business intelligence and performance management efforts were supported by a C-level executive with a direct link to the business, according to Gartner, Inc. "Rather than focus on technology as the 'saving grace' for information access, organizations need to think of incremental evolution," said Ted Friedman, Vice President and distinguished analyst at Gartner. "The key is to start with the business objectives, and the people and processes driving the business."

Gartner's survey of more than 350 global organizations in December 2006 showed the largest number of respondents (40 percent) stated that efforts were sponsored by specific executives; 25 percent said they were sponsored by an IT manager; and 25 percent indicated that they had no executive sponsor."Many business managers find themselves overwhelmed with a plethora of data and content, but, due to a lack of access, consistency and quality, they are unable to actually use this information to drive their business," said Betsy Burton, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner.

Between year-end 2006 and year-end 2012, Global 1000 organizations will experience a three-fold increase in data, content and application quality issues. Gartner analysts said information integrity, consistency and quality are, and will continue to be, of significant concern for most organizations in the near future.

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Prashanth Rai