India, June 27 -- Just how important are data and analytics to an enterprise? Maybe it's immeasurable in the grand scheme, unless you can tie the improvements to some financial bottom line. More likely, the real value in being data driven is found in a series of improvements and little wins that make it easier to get work done, save costs, or keep customers happy.

Three CIOs highlighted how data is making a difference in their organizations during a CIO roundtable at last month's Interop conference. The speakers came from three very different organizations -- the NCAA, the City of Detroit, and Hitachi Vantara. What they had in common was that they have achieved a series of improvements in how they do business. Examples: a chatbot that help...