I am very passionate about data.  While many of you will find that odd and perhaps a bit pathetic, if you speak to anyone who is acquainted with me, they will confirm it’s true.  That’s not to say that I think such an enthusiasm happens on purpose.  I didn’t go to college with the mission of becoming a data advocate.  Truthfully, when I embarked on my quest for higher education, I had loftier goals like bringing about world peace.  So, years later, when I found myself embroiled in the world of B2B e-commerce, I thought perhaps I had gotten a bit off-track.

However, as I diligently pursued a way to create personal fulfillment from my day job (another misguided objective?), I realized that the foundation of B2B – data – is something every consumer cares about in one fashion or another.  And second only to my role as a mother, I relish my title of consumer most.  I love to consume – new apparel and footwear, mostly (and not necessarily in that order) – but all kinds of other “things,” as well.  I buy food and household products every week, and entertainment items such as CDs and DVDs at least once a month.  And I believe with my son’s driving future rapidly approaching, an automobile purchase is not far off, either.

In order to buy all these wonderful consumer goods, I need to know something about them.  Whether it’s the fiber and protein content of a cereal, the fabric and color of a new pair of shoes, or the extra features available on a DVD movie, I am constantly on the lookout for information.  And the data that interests me is probably not the same data that interests you – that’s what is so unique about consumers, and what probably drives manufacturers and retailers to the brink of insanity.  The Internet and multi-channel retailing (traditional stores, catalogs, online shopping sites) have made data ubiquitous, and consumers can’t seem to get enough.  But these business experts have to find a way to get that data to us, and they have to make sure of two things:  1) its accuracy, and 2) its consistency across all forms of media.  If you find an attractive price on a retailer’s web site and then check your Sunday circular to discover a different price, do you lose a little faith in the credibility of that store?  Do you run to the store and ask for the extra 10% discount for finding the wrong price?  Or do you instead go to the competitor, who might charge slightly more, but proves to be accurate in the information they provided you?

There are countless ways to think about data, to look at data, to slice and dice data.  We thrive on this at GXS.  Yes, it’s true, I’m not the only person on Earth with an interest in data.  And while I roam the halls of GXS for 40 hours a week (plus or minus) thinking about data, I find the interest spills over into my personal life, as well.  Thus, I’m aptly suited to bring you a blog about data.  To help you understand how important the foundation of data is to running a business, to collaborating with trading partners, and to connecting with consumers.  Join me on this journey and see if you don’t just feel at least a little bit more peaceful as you begin to see how central data is to everything we do and how we can make the most of the everyday data at our fingertips.