Data Analytics Cost

The costs associated with data analytics vary depending on which tools you use as part of the analytics process. Most Data Analysts rely on several core programs, languages, and apps for handling data. Tableau, commonly used for data visualization, is free for those who work with Tableau Public. Microsoft Excel, a popular spreadsheet application, can be purchased for $6/user/month. And Python, a programming language commonly used by Data Analysts, is also offered for free.

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is a broad term that describes the various techniques used to analyze raw, unprocessed data so that relevant insights and trends can be extracted. Organizations then use this information to make more informed, data-driven decisions. The data analytics process includes gathering data, organizing them, and performing statistical analysis on these numbers. Once the analysis is complete, the Data Analyst offers predictions that can inform the company’s next steps.

Each day, an estimated 2.5 quintillion bytes of data is created. This number is expected to grow as more organizations embrace technological advances and expand their online presence. However, until these data are analyzed, they are just numbers. A Data Analyst’s job involves combining computer programming, math, and statistics to interpret these numbers and transform them into actionable insights that they can share with various stakeholders in their organization.

Read more about why you should learn data analytics.

What Can You Do with Data Analytics?

The field of data analytics has many real-world applications across industries and professions. At the core of the data analytics process is the goal of using data to make better decisions. Companies rely on the data's insights to make more informed business decisions, which can help their organization grow, increase revenue, or better serve employees and customers.

Data analytics can help with marketing campaigns by eliminating the bulk of the guesswork in planning, creating content, and developing products. It also provides an overview of customers, which can help organizations better meet their needs. By better understanding your audience and what they want, targeting them with more pointed marketing initiatives and campaigns is easier.

Another widespread use of data analytics is to improve customer service. When data is analyzed, it reveals important insights about customers, which makes it possible to offer them more personalized service. Data can provide information on how customers prefer to communicate, what interests they have, what concerns they hold, and what products they look at most often. In addition, having data stored in a central location allows an organization’s customer service team to be on the same page as their marketing and sales teams.

Another use of data analytics is to improve the efficiency of operations within an organization. Data can reveal weaknesses in operations, as well as opportunities to streamline various processes. This not only helps the business perform more efficiently but can save money over time. For example, if you have a clearer idea of what your target audience is looking for, you won’t need to waste time and resources designing ads or writing content that doesn’t directly target their interests. This leads to less wasted money, as well as better campaign results.

In-Depth Review of the Cost

Because data analytics is a field that encompasses many skills, being a successful Data Analyst requires using various tools, programming languages, and applications. The following are some of the most commonly used tools for data analytics, as well as a breakdown of the costs associated with each:

• Tableau is a popular business intelligence and data analytics platform used to create accessible, interactive data visualizations that convey the findings unearthed from the data analytics process. This dynamic software helps users visualize trends and patterns from massive datasets, then share these findings with stakeholders within their organization. Tableau Creator is available for $70/user/month, Tableau Explorer is offered for $42/user/month, Tableau Viewer is $15/user/month, and Tableau Public is free. In addition, Tableau Desktop includes a free trial.
• Those who work with data analytics often use two programming languages for their tasks: Python and SQL. Python is a high-level programming language with a variety of applications for data analytics. In addition to being free to use, Python has many free libraries that are also available to the public. SciPy and Pandas are two libraries commonly used by data professionals. In addition to its built-in analytics tools, Python also has data visualization options.
• SQL, or structured query language, is another popular data analytics tool. Data Analysts use this querying language to communicate with data stored in relational database systems. SQL is free for developers and testers for use in non-production environments. There is also a free trial of SQL Server 2022 available as well. SQL Server Standard Edition Server Licensing costs $931, SQL Server Enterprise Edition costs $7,128 for each core, and SQL Server Standard Edition costs $1,859 per core.
• Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet program with many applications for data professionals. It can perform repetitive tasks in minutes that would otherwise take hours. In addition, Excel can create data visualizations as well. This application is available from Microsoft for $6/user/month.

Why Learn Data Analytics?

The driving principle behind data analytics is solving problems. These problems can affect entire organizations and their employees and customers. A background in data analytics empowers you to think analytically when approaching these problems, a skill that extends beyond the professional sector. In addition, this field requires individuals to have excellent communication skills, leadership training, and attention to detail, all transferable skills that can help in all facets of life.

The big data boom has created more of a need than ever before for those with skills in data analytics to help organizations understand their data to capitalize on the insights these numbers reveal. For this reason, Data Analysts are in demand in nearly every industry that works with data. As more businesses and sectors begin to see the value in collecting data and using it to fuel their decision-making process, the more value they see in the data analytics process. This is why pursuing a career in data analytics can lead to high-paying professional options in many industries.

Read more about why you should learn data analytics.

Free Introductory Data Analytics Course Online

Not ready to dive into an entire course? Are you instead looking for an overview of data analytics? If so, then you can start learning data analytics for free online. In Noble Desktop’s free introductory data science webinar, you’ll learn how Python can be used when working with data. Those enrolled will have an overview of the field of data science and will become familiar with the tools Data Scientists use in the real world to analyze datasets.

In addition, other top providers also offer classes in data analytics. Udemy currently has free tutorials and classes in data analytics available on topics like Intro to Data Analysis for Government, Learn Data Analysis Using Pandas and Python, and Introduction to Data Analysis: From Zero to Hero. Additionally, Coursera provides several free classes in the field of data science. They offer classes like Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning, Practical Time Series Analysis, and Foundations in Data Science: K Means Clustering in Data Science.

Read more about free data analytics videos and online tutorials.

Learn Data Analytics with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

There’s never been a better time to study data analytics. If you’re interested in learning more about this popular field, Noble Desktop has you covered. Noble offers several data analytics classes for beginners and those with a background in data who want to master specific or advanced tools and skills.

Noble’s Data Analytics Certificate is a project-based course designed to teach students how to collect, wrangle, analyze, and visualize data. Participants complete several real-world projects using predictive and prescriptive analytics to prepare them for careers as Business Analysts or Data Analysts. This course provides all students with one-on-one mentoring, as well as the option of a free course retake to revisit the material.

In addition, Noble’s SQL Bootcamp is a great learning option for learners interested in studying SQL to help with their data journey. This 18-hour class teaches participants how to use PostgreSQL to find information in databases. Those who enroll will learn how to write SQL queries, aggregate data, join tables, and filter results.

For students who want to work with Tableau for data analytics and visualization, Noble’s Tableau Bootcamp is a solid choice. This class is taught by an expert instructor and is available both in-person in Manhattan and in the live online format for those who wish to study remotely. This course takes students on a learning journey, starting with the basics of data visualization. Those enrolled also work with Tableau Public and its various tools for analysis and visualization. By course completion, participants will be able to analyze, filter, structure, and visualize data and publish the results. All students have the option of a free course retake.