Dr. Goodnight addresses the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Dubai

Dr. Jim Goodnight, the Co-founder and CEO of SAS, the leading global business analytics company, elaborated on this theme during his address at the Forbes Global CEO Conference 2012 in Dubai.

In the 'Fast Track with Technology and Innovation' session, which is moderated by Mike Perlis, President and CEO of Forbes Media, Dr. Goodnight discussed the technology advancements that have enabled SAS to provide innovative High-Performance Analytic (HPA) solutions. He highlighted the need for technology solutions to be customer-driven, resulting in greater, faster returns for organizations. He also mentioned the specialized talent required to apply HPA to get the best results, and elaborated on what companies can do to grow the limited pool of talent, which is in big demand.

"For many years, organizations viewed information technology as a cost center. That perception is rapidly changing as corporate leaders realize the benefits of analytics. Businesses increasingly understand that analytic insights can make IT a driver that boosts the bottom line," says Dr. Goodnight.

He also shared some examples of how business leaders can leverage the growing demand for analytics to better manage their data. "Breakthroughs in technology are giving decision makers the ability to get answers instantaneously or in near real-time so they can ask more granular questions," Dr. Goodnight stated. "Analytics is at the forefront in helping drive new developments - whether it's impacting and changing a person's life or on a larger scale of helping a country produce goods and services that can improve their economy."

The Forbes Global CEO conference 2012 in Dubai is in its 12th year. This prestigious conference is attended by some 400 global CEOs, tycoons, entrepreneurs, up-and-comers, capitalists and thought leaders to share ideas on critical business issues.