It's like the old comparison between efficiency and effectiveness. Successful DI (past, present and future) firstly requires clear understanding of the business goals to be achieved, then good toolsets well deployed to carry out data gathering and analysis. If datasets are unrelated (or even unrelated to the business questions being asked) all the great analysis in the world will not provide useful insight or answers. (Remember "Garbage In, Garbage Out" ?) Having dabbled around the edges of DI in telecom operations, I know it pays to start small and simple to ensure Data leads to Information and then to Insight. Small insights can then be used as the basis of bigger investigations. Bottom line: If somebody tries to sell you DI (or DI "Tools") which can solve all your business problems without demonstrating an understanding of YOUR business goals, then check if they also have some good snake oil or a Brooklyn Bridge or two for sale.