Stories by Mary K. Pratt

Best of BI: Celestica uses BI to open a lucrative revenue source

When CIO Mary Gendron joined Celestica in October 2008, she says the Toronto-based electronics manufacturing services provider had nothing in the way of analytics. But its CEO saw information as transformative and wanted to build up its BI capabilities.

Best of BI: Booz Allen's $50 million BI investments pays rich dividends

Several years ago, each division at Booz Allen Hamilton had its own reporting processes and systems. But executives knew the McLean, Va.-based consulting firm couldn't grow effectively if it had disparate groups doing their own reporting. They also knew they'd have to provide better information to Wall Street traders when Booz Allen went public, which it did in 2010.

Cloud-based Office tools: Right for you?

When you're adopting cloud software, you need to think about features and functions, of course, as well as the costs involved. But process changes and user training can be even bigger factors. Insider (registration required)

Harnessing the computing power of low-cost mobile phones

This may be the digital age, but many humanitarian and development workers still rely on paper forms to collect data - an inefficient and often ineffective process that takes precious resources away from their core mission.

Norway's new pension program is more efficient and better serves citizens

Like many countries, Norway is facing a growing senior population. As a result, the country is also expecting dramatic increases in the amount of money it will need to spend in order to care for its older citizens. In fact, Norway expects the number of retirees to double by 2050, when that group will account for 40% of its population.

[]