The celebrated win by ‘Watson’, an IBM designed computer, in multiple rounds of ‘Jeopardy!’ against two of the game-show’s consistent champions has brought into sharp focus a debate on the future of Artificial Intelligence. The computer’s victory in a game that tests contestants on knowledge, language interpretation skills, analytical speed, response time and betting strategy opens up possibilities on what future Watsons can do for Business Intelligence.

Wide ranging technology changes have swept across most industry segments in the last few years. In comparison, developments in BI and Analytics have been far less dramatic or decisive. In many enterprises, BI and analytics continues to be restricted to top-level decision makers. This may be the result of a perception of Business Intelligence as a heavily technology dependent function requiring specialized skills and in-depth training – often the privilege of a few.

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