Book Reviews

The Visual Organization: Data Visualization, Big Data, and the Quest for Better Decisions

978-1-118-79438-8


"It's clear that Big Data is transforming business. Less clear until now, however, is how companies can fully leverage its power to generate breakthrough insights. Phil Simon's deft exploration of data visualization will change the way you see the world."

Dorie Clark
Adjunct Professor
Duke University's Fuqua School of Business Author of Reinventing You


"There's good news in this dazzling book. Yes, Big Data is overwhelming, but progressive organizations have found a way to identify the signal in its noise. Through a mix of analysis and synthesis, Simon demonstrates how it's possible to see not only the forest, but the trees."

Brad Feld
Managing Director
Foundry Group
Co-author of Startup Life: Surviving and Thriving in a Relationship with an Entrepreneur


"Employees and managers need to know what's happening in their organizations. There is data everywhere, but how many of us actually use it to drive our work? People learn in different ways, and for many, a visual approach is most powerful. Unfortunately, most organizations have overlooked the opportunity in the visual presentation of data. With The Visual Organization, no longer is there an excuse for doing so. Simon offers a nuanced and refreshing view on contemporary data visualization through compelling storytelling, and yes, great visuals."

Terri L. Griffith
Chair, Management Department
Santa Clara University
Author of The Plugged-In Manager


"It's now critical to display data in ways that leverage our human visual capabilities and empower us to discover predictive insights from data. To that end, The Visual Organization is essential reading."

Eric Siegel
founder, Predictive Analytics World
Author of Predictive Analytics: The Power to Predict Who Will Click, Buy, Lie, or Die


"As we've come to expect from him, Phil doesn't just write about a topic. Instead, he explores it deeply, connecting it to the business, technology, and societal world around us. Somehow he has the uncanny knack to offer sage advice for both IT and business professionals-this time about visual data expression-and bedeck it in a fantastic narrative."

Douglas Laney
Research Vice President
Information Innovation, Gartner


"The sheer amount of data coming at us these days is overwhelming companies both small and large. It's no wonder that so many miss out on the opportunities right in front of them. The Visual Organization manifests how a wide range of companies is leveraging new and powerful visual tools. Read it and turn your company into a more efficient, data-driven, decision-making machine."

Frank Gruber
CEO & Co-Founder
Tech Cocktail
Author of Startup Mixology


"In Too Big to Ignore, Phil Simon introduced us to the rapidly emerging world of Big Data. In this book, he tackles how we need to see, handle, and present this mountain of information, one unlike the old, familiar, transaction data that business people know quite well. The Visual Organization shines a much-needed light on how businesses are using contemporary data visualization tools."

Brian Sommer
Enterprise Software Industry Analyst; ZDNet Contributor;
CEO of TechVentive, Inc


"The fourth wave of computing is upon us, and the visualization of information has never been more important. The Visual Organization arrives just in time. Simon's book helps enterprises learn from-and adapt to-this new adapt world. A must read."

Larry Weber
Chairman and CEO of Racepoint Global and best selling author


"Once again, Phil Simon has raised the bar. Like his other books, The Visual Organization takes a very current topic and instructs the reader on what not only what is being done, but what can be done. Simon provides a wealth of advice and examples, demonstrating how organizations can move from data production to data consumption and, ultimately, to action."

Tony Fisher
Vice President Data Collaboration and Integration
Progress Software
Author of The Data Asset


"Today data is the new oil. Organizations need ways to quickly make sense of the mountains of data they are collecting. Bottom line: today visualization is more important than ever. The Visual Organization is a checkpoint on current dataviz methods. Simon's book represents insightful thought leadership that is sure to help any organization compete in an era of Big Data."

William McKnight
President
McKnight Consulting Group
Author of Information Management: Strategies for Gaining a Competitive Advantage with Data


"Through fascinating case studies and stunning visuals, The Visual Organization demystifies data visualization. Simon charts the transformative effects of dataviz. Only through new tools and a new mind-set can organizations attempt to compete in a rapidly changing global environment."

Chris Chute
Global Director
IDC


"A rollicking and incisive tour of the organizations pioneering the next big thing: putting visual data at the center of the enterprise. Simon's highly readable account points the way towards incorporating visualization into your own endeavors."

Todd Silverstein
Entrepreneur and founder, Vizify


"Sure, Big Data is cool, but how can it move the needle? Today, it's essential to uncover insights far too often unseen, but how do you actually do that? The Visual Organization answers those questions-and more-in spades. Simon demonstrates how, when done correctly, dataviz promotes not only understanding, but action."

Bill Schmarzo
CTO
EMC Global Services
Author of Big Data: Understanding How Data Powers Big Business


"Data visualization is a secret sauce for visionary executives in today's time-starved economy. Simon's book provides the Rosetta Stone on how to get there."

Adrian C. Ott
CEO
Award-winning author of The 24-Hour Customer


"Phil Simon's latest book, The Visual Organization, superbly shows the potential of data visualization and how it can spark an organization's imagination. As Simon makes clear, visualization is how organizations can ask the right questions needed to create real value from their big data efforts; instead of fumbling about with them as too many do today."

Robert Charette
President
ITABHI Corporation