Here’s a scenario that might feel painfully familiar. Your marketing department captures customer leads, and passes them to the sales department. Marketing’s success is measured in part on the number and size of deals that result. But a squabble breaks out over how the sales department handles, nurtures, and attributes those conversions. Result: Neither department really wants to share their data.

Data lakes serve as central destinations for business data and offer users a platform to guide business decisions.

For small entrepreneurial businesses, equity compensation can be a very attractive way to attract and retain highly talented employees. In a nutshell, equity compensation is defined as non-cash remuneration that takes the form of stock options, restricted shares, employee stock purchase plans, and other vehicles that provide employees with an equity stake in the company. Equity compensation may also apply to non-employee services provided by independent contractors, board members, or advisors.