Analysis & Commentary:

TDWI STUDY SHOWS THAT POOR DATA QUALITY COSTS $600B A YEAR

The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI), a leading provider of in-depth education and research in the data warehousing and business intelligence industry, has released the first report in its 2002 Report Series titled "Data Quality and the Bottom Line: Achieving Business Success through a Commitment to High Quality Data."

The report shows that there is a significant gap between perception and reality regarding the quality of data in many organizations, and that current data quality problems cost U.S. businesses more than $600 billion a year. The report's findings were based on interviews with industry experts, leading-edge customers, and survey data from 647 respondents.

"In recent years, the failure and delays of many high profile IT projects as a result of unanticipated data quality problems is causing executives to wake up to the real cost of poor quality data," said Wayne Eckerson, director of education and research at The Data Warehousing Institute. However, almost 50 percent of survey respondents express no current plans to implement an initiative to improve data quality, while 78 percent said their organizations need additional education about the importance of data quality and methods to maintain and improve it.

"The good news is that achieving high quality data is not beyond the means of any company," continued Eckerson. "Companies that have invested in managing and improving data quality can clearly cite the tangible and intangible benefits of doing so." Benefits include improved customer satisfaction, a "single version of the truth," and "greater confidence in analytical systems."

The report also addresses how to develop a strategic plan for improving data quality and sustaining this commitment over time. In addition the report outlines the capabilities of commercial data quality tools and the types of problems they are best suited to address.

"Data Quality and the Bottom Line: Achieving Business Success through a Commitment to High Quality Data" was sponsored by six leading data quality solution providers; Arkidata Corporation, DataFlux Corporation, DataMentors Inc, Sagent Technology Inc, SAS Institute, and Vality Technology Inc. This series is designed to educate technical and business professionals about new business intelligence technologies, concepts, or approaches that address a significant problem or issue.

The Data Warehousing Institute

The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI), a division of 101communications, is the premier provider of in-depth, high quality education and training in the data warehousing and business intelligence industry. TDWI is dedicated to educating business and information technology professionals about the strategies, techniques, and tools required to successfully design, build, and maintain data warehouses. It also fosters the advancement of data warehousing research and contributes to knowledge transfer and professional development of its Members. TDWI sponsors and promotes a worldwide membership program, annual educational conferences, regional educational seminars, onsite courses, solution provider partnerships, awards programs for the best practices and leadership in data warehousing and innovative technologies, resourceful publications, an in-depth research program, and a comprehensive Web site (www.dw-institute.com).

About 101communications

Founded in 1998, 101communications is an integrated media company in the business-to-business market aimed at the many specialized targets within the greater information technology community. 101's portfolio includes magazines, conferences and extensive digital offerings in the U.S. and Europe in five areas: Software Development (Application Development Trends, Application Development Advisor, JavaSPEKTRUM, OBJEKTspektrum, SIGS/101 Conferences); Vertical Markets (Recharger Magazine, Recharger WorldExpo, Office Technology); Windows Certification (Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, MCP TechMentor Conferences), Enterprise Technology (Enterprise Systems, The Data Warehousing Institute, IT Events) and Government and Education Technology (Federal Computer Week, E-Gov, Syllabus, Syllabus Conferences). For more information on 101communications visit www.101com.com.

For more information or to obtain a complete copy of the report, please contact: Meighan Berberich, Marketing Manager, The Data Warehousing Institute, 5200 Southcenter Blvd, Suite 250 Seattle, WA 98188, 206-246-5059 x104, mberberich@dw-institute.com.