How CIOs Can Negotiate Data, AI And Politics While Avoiding Snake Oil
CIO, Friday, October 17th, 2025
Not all data gold glitters - smart CIOs know when to invest, how to measure value and how to steer clear of AI snake oil.
'Data is the new oil.'
'Data is our most valuable asset.'
'AI will unlock the value of your data.'
Executives hear these refrains constantly, but the economics behind them often remain murky. A key benefit of data analytics is improved decision-making and, if we focus on the logic of improved decision-making, the essential question becomes 'How can we measure the value (ROI) on investments in data infrastructure?' Knowing when your data starts delivering real value and how to avoid the vendor hype are part of the equation.