The Business Intelligence (BI) market is becoming increasingly crowded in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region but that doesn’t mean it is impossible to stand out. BI vendors that have succeeded with growing their brand presence are equipped with one common denominator–they are showcasing the power of their AI and BI to make informed business decisions. Add a little help from a B2B tech PR agency and you have yourself a dreamy combo for business growth.
At a recent Gartner conference in Sydney, AZK Media’s Managing Director Azadeh Williams spoke with Grant Weinstein, Head of Partnerships at MicroStrategy, a leading global BI company. He shared the unique challenges that come with standing out in this competitive market.
Let’s zoom in!
The power of collective intelligence in data analytics
The APAC region is fast becoming a hub for data analytics and business intelligence (BI) innovations. At Gartner’s conference, experts gathered to discuss the ever-evolving landscape of data analytics, with a particular focus on collective intelligence–the idea of disseminating analytics to all levels of an organisation, both internally and externally.
Grant kicks off the conversation by sharing his enthusiasm for the world of data analytics and the role it plays in today’s businesses.
"What excites me about data and analytics is that it’s exactly what we do as an industry. We deliver insights and provide actionable information to everyone who needs it, making them data citizens," he says.
This concept of “collective intelligence,” where data and analytics are accessible to all stakeholders, is becoming a central focus of modern business operations. It allows organisations to be more agile and make informed decisions based on real-time data, empowering everyone—from internal teams to external partners to be part of the company’s narrative.
Drill down into your niche
The data analytics and AI industries are increasingly saturated with companies all vying for attention. When asked about the challenges of distinguishing MicroStrategy from its competitors, Grant emphasises the importance of finding a niche.
"It’s about solving real business problems. AI is a buzzword, but how do we use it to our advantage? How do we use AI, BI, and other tools to make a real difference rather than just jumping on the bandwagon?" he says.
According to Grant, it’s not just about having the latest technology, but about applying that technology in meaningful ways to address specific business needs. This practical approach is what can set a company apart in an industry full of noise.
Legacy solution? Adopting PR strategies to showcase innovation
MicroStrategy is one of the oldest BI vendors to enter the APAC market, but that doesn’t mean this legacy solution can’t learn new tricks. Spring-boarding its success as a pioneer of the industry, MicroStrategy has responded to real-world customer problems, and as a result, enhanced its market presence to stay ahead of the curve.
As Grant points out: "Marketing and brand awareness are everything." With a growing global team of more than 2500 people, the company continues to innovate, particularly with its AI BI platform.
This growth is seldom achieved without the work of a Public Relations (PR) agency to position a company as the leader in the field, communicating its value proposition to stand out from the crowd.
Grant says PR has given MicroStrategy a platform to share its voice and command attention. “It’s all about showing our niche, what we do well, and explaining how we are different in the market,” he says.
Data analytics in the 'Big Data' era
As the APAC region continues to embrace data analytics, companies like MicroStrategy are transcending boundaries with innovative solutions that address real business challenges.
The key to standing out in this crowded space, as Grant shares, lies in the practical application of technology and effectively communicating your brand’s unique value.
Authored by Jessica Phillips (Poulter), Senior Social Media and Communications Specialist at AZK Media.
Comments