MDM Pioneers Launch The Information Difference

Published: May 13, 2008

Information Difference will enable companies to get the most value of their MDM projects by providing in-depth, independent analysis of MDM vendors.

The Information Difference, a strategic advice and research firm dedicated entirely to Master Data Management (MDM), recently launched.  Founded by two of the most experienced practitioners in the MDM industry, the Information Difference will enable companies to get the most value of their MDM projects by providing in-depth, independent analysis of MDM vendors, conducting primary market research, and producing white papers on the latest trends and best practice in the MDM market. MDM is one of the fastest growing of all enterprise software markets, with year-over-year growth from 2008 to 2010 expected to be over 50%.

The Information Difference is truly different in that its founders, Andy Hayler and Dave Waddington, are genuine industry pioneers, with long and practical hands-on experience developing MDM software and overseeing major implementations respectively. Hayler was principal technology consultant at Shell, became global practice manager for information management there and went on to found Kalido, one of the very first vendors to produce an MDM product. 

Waddington was Chief IT Systems Architect for Unilever's two Food Groups in Europe, a leader in MDM at Unilever and has become a noted authority in the field.  He was formerly VP and Research Director at Ventana Research, and has recently advised on several of the largest MDM projects in the world.

Industry reaction to the formation of the new company has been positive.  Claudia Imhoff, one of the world's foremost experts in information management, commented: "Both Andy Hayler and Dave Waddington bring great depth of experience to bear on the master data management market, helping to break new ground in its early development.  They possess true hands-on experience in a way that few analysts have, and their writing is well respected in the industry."