Big data is everywhere these days, and it’s not just for the tech giants you hear about in the news. It’s being used by small businesses and even by individuals to increase efficiency and discover new insights into what makes their customers tick. If you’re interested in learning more about how big data can benefit your business, or if you already have some experience with it but are looking to take your knowledge to the next level, then you should consider hiring a big data analytics company to help you reach your goals.
Am I looking for an independent or in-house team?
The difference between working with an independent team and an in-house team is pretty big. On one hand, working with an independent team means that you’ll be dealing with one source for big data analytics services; on the other hand, some say that with bigger teams there are less direct lines of communication. How much interaction do you want? An in-house option might give you more contact with project managers, whereas an independent could mean dealing directly with data scientists and analysts. Think about what you need before choosing your big data analytics company. Can they handle my project?: How easy will it be for your business to work alongside your potential big data analytics company? Some companies have dozens of open projects at once—will yours fit in?
Do I want expertise with both structured and unstructured data?
If you want your analytics company to find insights in both structured and unstructured data, make sure they are experts in each. Plenty of firms say they can handle both—but few do it well. It takes more time, money and know-how than most companies realize. A firm that specializes in one or the other can be more efficient and ultimately provide better value for your company. There’s also less risk of them not being able to deliver on their promises. If you want companies that have expertise with both data types, look for vendors that have structured/unstructured listed as key skills—not just big data analytics or some generic term like that.
Am I looking for consulting services or long-term partnership?
Many people start off looking for help on an ad-hoc basis. They might need some direction, or just some suggestions about how best to implement an idea. If you’re thinking about getting professional help with your big data analytics project, start off by asking yourself if you want that help in a consulting capacity or if you’re looking for someone long-term. What is their experience with my problem? It can be hard to know whether to go with one of those big name companies or stick with someone who specializes in your industry—it really depends on what type of business you are and what type of problem you’re solving.
What is my budget?
This is a no-brainer question, but it’s still important. If you have $25,000 in your marketing budget, you probably won’t go with big data company A who charges $50k per month just for software development; instead, you might opt for company B that charges $10k per month for that and analytics. Knowing what your budget is will help you get started on choosing an analytical firm now rather than later.
Am I looking for local, domestic, or international providers?
There are many other questions that should be asked when deciding on a big data analytics company. One of these questions is: what type of providers do I want? Do I want local providers who have knowledge of my city and surrounding areas? Or, do I want domestic providers who work nationwide but do not have specific knowledge of my city or region? Lastly, should I opt for international providers who can be anywhere in any country, but with less knowledge of your area?
The Conclusion:
Given that data has become a lifeline of any business, it is important to choose data analyst companies carefully. Choose an inefficient one and you are likely to get false and misleading set of data. Therefore, invest in the company after pondering over your concerns as well as the tract record of the company.