The ABCs of data as a product manager

In the era of massive data generation, businesses face the challenge of effectively organizing and analyzing data to drive smart decisions and growth. By 2025, global data production is expected to reach 175 zetabytes, encompassing data about users (A), business operations (B), and data created by users (C). These categories, termed the "ABCs of Data," require distinct tools and approaches for management, such as Mixpanel for user analysis, BI tools like Looker or Tableau for business data, and tools like Medallia for user-generated data. Each data type serves different strategic purposes, from improving user retention and engagement to enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. Understanding and leveraging these data types can help businesses innovate and maintain a competitive edge, although the boundaries between them often blur, as seen in a photo-sharing app where uploaded images can be classified across multiple categories. This framework supports the development of a robust data culture and technology stack, crucial for scaling businesses and optimizing decision-making processes.