Without analysis, data is essentially untapped potential in much the same way that a seam of minerals underground is valuable but only if exploited. Data analytics describes the processing of data (often by data scientists, but also by appropriately-equipped people in line-of-business positions) to find trends or patterns, in support of decision-making, or the discovery of new opportunities (for example, cross- or upselling). Data Analytics can be performed with relatively simple tools like spreadsheet programs, or it can be performed by purpose-designed specialized systems and software.