In an era where data is regarded as the new oil, Alex Whittles’s journey serves as an enchanting voyage through the ever-evolving world of data analytics. A mastermind behind the UK-based consultancy Purple Frog Systems, Alex has been an influential name in the industry, opting to pivot from software systems for the gaming industry to big data analytics.

Alex was drawn into the realm of big data without intent. A software engineering graduate, he initially dabbled with software systems for the gaming industry. It was while handling an overload of real-time data and attempting to turn it into valuable information for top-level management that Alex found a niche that needed filling. He got his feet wet by exploring advanced analytics systems like cubes and machine learning, which helped him solve real-world problems. Encouraged by his success, Alex started Purple Frog Systems in 2006 to fan out his expertise and help others harness the power of data.
Initially, Whittles focused on data warehousing, ETL systems, and cubes. However, as technology evolved, so did his services. The significant strides in technology led him to transition from traditional methods to more innovative approaches such as the use of AI tools like ChatGPT and Power BI. He has kept pace with the entry of cloud-based solutions and the emergence of data lakes and has strengthened his focus on machine learning.
The strong sense of community in the data analytics industry has been rewarding for Whittles. The welcoming and supportive Microsoft data and analytics worldwide community, along with the opportunities for knowledge sharing, have made his career choice all the more worthwhile. His countless experiences as a speaker at global conferences have not only increased his knowledge but have also paved the way for enduring friendships. For his sterling contribution to the field, Alex has been honored with the Microsoft MVP award for the past nine years.
Alex’s involvement in the community extends to being an organizer of the renowned SQLBits conference, the World’s largest Microsoft community data conference, attracting over 2,500 delegates over five days each year. This event fosters a culture of learning, knowledge sharing, and meeting new people, helping build the strength of this industry further.
The cornerstones of Alex’s consulting prowess lie in his potent problem-solving acuity and his ability to understand each client’s unique business needs. For him, the overall challenge remains inherently the same as it was two decades ago: transforming raw data into meaningful, actionable insights. By wrapping his head around customer challenges, he and his team design tailored data analytics architectures, keeping in mind the pace of technological innovation.
Embarking on the next decade, Alex is excited about the future potential of the data analytics industry. He predicts a further upswing in the use of machine learning systems across various industry sectors. Of special intrigue to him are the horizons opened by generative AI systems, with tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot revolutionizing human-computer interaction. This, in his view, could lead to radical transformations in task management – from writing articles to conducting research. As he hinted, we have moved beyond the era of the internet, and into the age of AI, which will change our interactions with technology significantly.

Beyond his impressive professional accolades, Alex finds time to nurture his personal interests. Apart from holding a master’s degree in Business Intelligence, Alex is also an accomplished pilot and a self-confessed avid F1 armchair enthusiast.
In sum, Alex Whittles, the face behind Purple Frog Systems, is an embodiment of perseverance and resourcefulness. His story, from software engineering to big data analytics, offers valuable insights into the transformative journey of a versatile leader in the ever-evolving data analytics industry.