When wondering if data has value, one doesn’t have to look further than Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn. The value of data was the theme of the entire transaction, according to Merv Adrian, VP of Gartner, Inc. While he acknowledged that, by this point, it was a story that had been covered many times before, he noticed a few talking points that had been left untouched. One was that it kept being referred to as a cash deal, but it was in fact a borrowed cash deal. With the value of cash declining, it was a smart investment.

“The big takeaway for me is that it’s the most visible of Microsoft’s efforts to focus on enterprise through enhanced collaboration,” Adrian told John Furrier (@furrier) and George Gilbert (@ggilbert41), cohosts of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team, during Hadoop Summit US at the San Jose Convention Center in California.

Data and decision-making

LinkedIn also demonstrates how old ideas can be recycled or discarded. Some of the apps may well be replaced with new versions of an old idea. Data is driving such decisions, as companies can see more clearly what is valuable to consumers.

“There is more ability now to combine additional data feeds that inform and substantiate decisions,” said Adrian. In fact, he added, it will drive behavior, not merely inform it.

For instance, if you had an app that informed you when you could set up another meeting only five minutes away from your current location with someone who, according to the data, would be very likely to buy, you would most likely follow its advice. A simple notification could save you time while earning you more money.

“We have more data than ever before, so we can more comfortably rely on the info they give us,” he said. With all the legwork done and analyzed for you, it would be so much simpler. It’s a likely future filled with what Adrian calls “curated event-driven opportunities.”

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of the Hadoop Summit US.

Photo by SiliconANGLE