As we reach the midpoint of 2014, we are in the middle of a fundamental transformation in the way businesses view analytics. Analytics are now seen as core to a business’ growth strategy and means for measuring, implementing and sustaining success. I am extremely pleased to see this happen and that marketing analyst no longer have to fight for the value of analytics. The fact is, those who fail to invest in understanding what drives their business will find it hard to compete in a world that thrives on data. This is why analytics matters.