What are the best ways to measure the success of a Big Data program?

Overview – Determining metrics and KPI's that align your Big Data program with intended outcomes and costs is key to success.  There is the potential to keep the cost of "failures" low, so the cost of "experimentation" and barriers to entry are low. 

Key findings – Organizations tend to wrestle with defining success for most programs, and Big Data is no exception. The key is to ascertain the measurable potential business outcomes, both positive and negative and align those with the organizations strategy. The intended approach, both technology and process, may be influenced as the costs are balanced with the desired outcomes.

Recommendations – The metrics for positive outcomes, such as monetization of information assets, must be weighed against the costs associated with producing results.