Big Data Definition

Big data is the large volume of data – both structured and unstructured – that inundates a business on a daily basis. But it’s not just the amount of data that’s important. It’s also the speed at which it arrives and the number of different sources from which it comes. Big data can be both a blessing and a curse for organizations. On one hand, big data has the potential to help organizations uncover new insights and make better decisions. On the other hand, managing big data can be complex and costly.

Organizations must have the right tools and processes in place to effectively manage big data. In many cases, they also need outside help from big data managed services providers or consultants. The following sections explore big data in more detail and provide tips on how organizations can harness its power.