About the Book
Data as the Fourth Pillar reasons that data should be considered the fourth pillar of every enterprise, alongside people, processes, and technology. Aimed at Boards, CEOs, and CxOs, this book provides a compelling case for why and how they should treat data as a strategic asset. It presents a comprehensive, success-by-design approach for enterprises, guiding them through a maturity framework to accelerate their data-centric journey.
This book addresses the “why,” the “what,” and the “how” of achieving this goal in measurable terms. It introduces key performance indicators (KPIs) such as total addressable value (TAV) and expected addressable value (EAV) through data to help measure the impact provided by the data pillar. This book also explores the symbiotic relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) and data, illustrating how both enable and benefit from each other. A case study by Rudiger Eck from Audi AG provides practical insights into the concepts and frameworks discussed.
This book is an essential resource for business executives in both small to medium businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises, helping them navigate a highly complex and hypercompetitive business landscape while accelerating business value for their stakeholder communities.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1 ◾ Why Establish Data as the Fourth Pillar for Scaling AI?
Chapter 2 ◾ Data as the Fourth Pillar: What Does It Mean, and What Does It Include?
Chapter 3 ◾ Operationalizing Data as the Fourth Pillar: The Data Operating Model
Chapter 4 ◾ Maturity Journey for the Data Pillar
Chapter 5 ◾ Visualizing the Future: An Autonomous Enterprise, with Data as the Lifeblood
About the Author :
Sujay Dutta is a seasoned technology and business leader with 25+ years of global experience. He believes the future is being shaped at the intersection of AI, Business outcomes, Culture, and Data ("A.B.C.D."). He is passionate about helping organizations leverage data and AI at scale, to accelerate business impact. Throughout his career, Sujay has worked with top technology innovators such as Databricks, Informatica, and SAP, as well as leading IT services firms including Capgemini, Harman Connected Services, HCL Technologies, and Tata Consultancy Services. Having lived and worked across India, the USA, and Europe, Sujay brings a global perspective and expertise that spans Data and AI strategy and execution, making him a trusted advisor to C-suite executives and business leaders worldwide.
Siddharth (Sidd) Rajagopal is a Chief Architect in the Field CTO Organization at Informatica. In his role, he engages with senior executives at enterprise providing thought leadership around data and data management by sharing his insights and learnings. Prior to this, he worked as a Consultant and Architect in various large data management programs at Cognizant and Accenture. He lives in the Netherlands with his family.
Review :
"This book reveals how strategic data use fuels growth, unlocks value, and powers AI-driven innovation. It equips business leaders with practical frameworks and actionable insights to maximize data’s potential, accelerate decision-making, and stay ahead in rapidly evolving markets."
Liselotte Engstam, Professional Board Member and Strategic Advisor, Sweden
“The future belongs to companies that see data not as an IT problem, but as a strategic driver and the fourth pillar of the enterprise. Let this book be your guide to making that shift.”
Binny Gill, CEO at Kognitos, Inc., USA
“This book underscores the critical role of data in scaling enterprise-grade AI systems. It provides foundational concepts, practical frameworks, and real-world examples. With actionable insights and a maturity journey for leveraging data to enhance business outcomes, this book is a compelling read for anyone wanting to stay ahead in the AI-driven world.”
Sandeep Kishore, Founder and CEO, Agivant Technologies, USA
"The emphasis on the CEO and Board's critical role in driving this transformation is particularly insightful. This book is a must-read for any leader seeking to unlock the full potential of data and propel their organization towards a future of sustainable growth and competitive advantage."
Mukundan Ramakrishnan, Managing Director at Tata Chemicals Limited, India
“Data is the First Pillar, for me”
Ramana Kumar, ex-CEO of Magnati, UAE
“This book introduces the data intelligence layer as essential for optimizing business operations and fostering innovation. It also offers compelling insights and practical strategies for business leaders to boost efficiency and sustain a competitive edge by leveraging data as a strategic asset."
Rüdiger Eck, Head of Data and Analytics Factory for Production & Logistics at Audi AG, Germany
“This book distills the insights, frameworks, and strategies needed for every enterprise leader to take data seriously and unlock its full potential. Enterprises that capitalize on their data as a strategic asset and mature their data pillar will be able to create competitive advantages through initiatives like leveraging AI at scale."
Sandeep Kalra, CEO, Member of the Board Persistent Systems, USA
“This book is more than just an insightful read—it is a blueprint for action. The time to act is now. AI is no longer an experiment but an enterprise-wide imperative. Enterprises that fail to embed data as a core pillar will struggle to compete in the AI-first world.”
Rainer Deutschmann, Senior Executive in Telecom and Technology Industries. Board Director, Advisor and Investor, Malaysia
“I would strongly recommend this book to any executive because it shows the benefits of investing in data management, data governance, data engineering and common semantics within their business, in helping to achieve their business vision. The book explains why data is so important, lays out a systematic approach to building reusable data products and provides a maturity model for your journey.”
Mike Ferguson, CEO at Intelligent Business, UK
“With the concept of the data pillar as a strategic component of the operating model, data is treated as an independent economic asset that generates continuous added value for companies. The authors provide clear correlations and framework conditions to enable a transformation of companies and mindsets in daily business.”
Thomas Hußlein, CEO and Founder OptWare, Germany
