Select computer database analysis services for your small business

You should perform data analysis and design from a business rather a technical perspective. That is, a marketing research company is generally preferred over one that specializes in dba analysis.

I recommend: Find a consultancy like Dobney.com with expertise primarily in marketing and strategy development. They also have a good primer on the database analysis and design process. Practical Computer Applications provides consulting and desgn-built engineering services.

Get the correct database analysis and management tool for your needs.

You can generally divide database analysis tools can: those that are capable of analyzing data and those that analyze structure. Some tools are capable of both functions.

I recommend: Use the trial version from Data Assistance of the Database Analysis & Comparing Tool to see how these two functions can be combined into one application that provides graphical views and printed reports. Quest Software provides solutions for Oracle.

Maximize the return on your investment in database analysis

The key to effective database analysis lies in knowing the right questions to ask in order to identify previously undiscovered trends in your customer's behavior.

I recommend: Use a firm like Acxiom that is highly experienced in performing database analysis for the purpose of creating a more targeted marketing campaign. Look at Direct Logic Solutions, which provides advanced marketing solutions.