Big Data Is Big Challenge For Some CIOs

MENLO PARK, Calif., Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Big data is not without big obstacles for some CIOs. In a survey from Robert Half Technology, 76 percent of CIOs (chief information officers) said their companies don't presently gather customer data such as demographics or buying habits. Less than one in four (23 percent) executives interviewed for the study said their firms do collect this type of information. Among those that do, more than half (53 percent) said they lack sufficient staff to access customer data, and generate reports and other business insights from it.

The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of information technology (IT) professionals on a project and full-time basis. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CIOs from companies across the United States with 100 or more employees.

CIOs were asked, "Does your company collect customer data, such as email addresses, demographics, buying habits and so on?" Their responses*:

CIOs who answered "yes" to the question above were asked, "Does your technology team have sufficient personnel to access and generate strategic reports and insights from the customer data your organization collects?" Their responses*:

"Hiring employees to collect and fully leverage customer data can be costly, but the information can be extremely useful to organizations," said John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology. "This type of information gives firms an opportunity to create more personalized online experiences for customers, develop highly targeted marketing campaigns and optimize business practices."

Reed added that some firms may not collect customer data because they lack the systems and resources for high data analytics, or they may not have the budget to do so.

For companies looking to fill big-data positions, following are job descriptions and salary ranges for the most in-demand jobs in the field, according to the Robert Half Technology 2013 Salary Guide**:

1. Business intelligence analysts assist firms in making critical business decisions by gathering and analyzing data to better target marketing efforts. Starting salaries for these professionals will range from $94,250 to $132,500 this year.
2. Data architects evaluate and translate business requirements into specific database solutions (e.g., data design models, database architecture and data repository designs). These professionals are forecast to see starting salaries ranging from $104,250 to $143,500 in 2013.
3. Data warehouse analysts collect, analyze and leverage a firm's stored data, and devised solutions that make it easier to access. Data warehouse analysts can expect starting salaries ranging from $93,500 to $126,500 this year.

More information about the positions listed above can be found in the Robert Half Technology 2013 Salary Guide. The guide also includes job descriptions for more than 73 technology positions.

About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at www.rht.com. Follow Robert Half Technology at www.twitter.com/roberthalftech.

*Numbers do not total 100 percent due to rounding.
**All salaries listed are U.S. national averages based on data published in the Robert Half Technology 2013 Salary Guide. Actual salary ranges may vary depending on location.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology