Yup. It's a groaner for sure

Protagonist based on author's work with IT professionals.

But how do we judge whether all that data is just gravy...or actually needed to optimize our competitiveness?

Great question. I suppose that is why people just feel the need to consume more...because they don't know how much they need.

With food it is easier to measure a proper intake. That's not the same with data. As a result, business will always want more. Most internal IT departments won't be able to keep up over time. As a result, the business looks outside.

So, if you are clinging to the idea that there will always be a need for a traditional DBA, you are wrong. Our roles are changing, right before our eyes.