EMI Exploits “New World of Data”
EMI is taking advantage of the “New World of Data” for a single view of sales, including albums, tracks, ringtones, and merchandise.

Record company EMI Music wanted to integrate the large amount of information it usesincluding massive consumer surveys, demographic, and partner data from companies such as iTunesto gain a single global view for its artists. By deploying Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Fast Track Data Warehouse technology, EMI now has an accessible single source of country, consumer, and partner insight data to support decision making about the needs of consumers in 25 countries.
EMI Music is the world's fourth-largest record company in terms of market share. It manages artists and distributes CDs, digital music, ringtones, and merchandise. The firm operates in 25 countries through three regional divisions, including the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The music company has a wealth of complex information from both internal and external sources, but, until recently, decision makers were unable to exploit the value of this "Big Data" store. David Boyle, Senior Vice President of Insight, EMI, was determined to launch a suite of projects to derive value from the data and generate insight in three key areas:
Country data. Prior to the deployment of the country insight projects, EMI had outdated and incorrect internal and external demographic and geographic data. This made it difficult to support marketing business decisionsfor example, pitching and promoting artists in new countries.
Consumer data. EMI didn't have an effective method for processing the massive amounts of survey data collected by the business to better understand consumer music tastes and buying behaviour. It was difficult to perform analysis across countries and time zones.
Partner data. EMI distributes its music through around 200 external partner organisations, including iTunes and Spotify. But there wasn't a method for analysing or reporting on partner activities other than those related to financial transactions. The business required deeper insight to help with a range of strategic decisions and drive extra revenue from existing and proposed partners.
Boyle says: "The overall solution is split into the three key insight areas, but the primary objective was to unify all the information into one consistent subject area. We wanted it to be easily accessible to every EMI decision maker in 25 countries."
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
To download the full case study, click the link below...
ITPro is a global business technology website providing the latest news, analysis, and business insight for IT decision-makers. Whether it's cyber security, cloud computing, IT infrastructure, or business strategy, we aim to equip leaders with the data they need to make informed IT investments.
For regular updates delivered to your inbox and social feeds, be sure to sign up to our daily newsletter and follow on us LinkedIn and Twitter.
-
Should AI PCs be part of your next hardware refresh?
AI PCs are fast becoming a business staple and a surefire way to future-proof your business
By Bobby Hellard Published
-
Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI launch brace of new channel initiatives
News Westcon-Comstor and Vectra AI have announced the launch of two new channel growth initiatives focused on the managed security service provider (MSSP) space and AWS Marketplace.
By Daniel Todd Published
-
Put AI to work for talent management
Whitepaper Change the way we define jobs and the skills required to support business and employee needs
By ITPro Published
-
More than a number: Your risk score explained
Whitepaper Understanding risk score calculations
By ITPro Published
-
Four data challenges holding back your video business
whitepaper Data-driven insights are key to making strategic business decisions that chart a winning route
By ITPro Published
-
Creating a proactive, risk-aware defence in today's dynamic risk environment
Whitepaper Agile risk management starts with a common language
By ITPro Published
-
How to choose an HR system
Whitepaper What IT leaders need to know
By ITPro Published
-
Sustainability and TCO: Building a more power-efficient business
Whitepaper Sustainable thinking is good for the planet and society, and your brand
By ITPro Published
-
What is small data and why is it important?
In-depth Amid a deepening ocean of corporate information and business intelligence, it’s important to keep things manageable with small data
By Steve Cassidy Published
-
Microsoft's stellar cloud performance bolsters growth amid revenue slump
News The tech giant partly blames unstable exchange rates and increased energy costs for the slowdown
By Rory Bathgate Published