What Is Big Data?

Date First Published: 21st February 2024

Topic: Computer Systems

Subtopic: Computer Software

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty Level: 4/10

Learn about what big data is in this article.

Big data is a digital technology which allows businesses to collect and combine data from multiple sources. It does not describe a specific amount of data, but is used to describe analysing and handling data in the petabyte and exabyte range, which cannot be processed using traditional database software or a single computer.

Uses Of Big Data

Big data can be analysed computationally to reveal patterns, trends, and associations. It enables businesses to gather data from social media, web visits, call logs, and other sources. The data can be collected from publicly shared comments on social networks and websites or gathered through questionnaires, product purchases, and electronic check-ins. It is most often stored in computer databases and is analysed using software that is specifically designed to handle large, complex data sets.

Data analysts also look at the relationship between different types of data, such as purchase history to spot trends and correlations. Most departments can use findings from data analysis for marketing purposes. Companies can use this data to improve operations, provide better customer service, create personalised marketing campaigns, and more. Both historical and real-time data can be analysed to assess the changing preferences of consumers or corporate buyers, allowing businesses to become more responsive to customer wants and needs.

Examples Of Big Data

Examples of big data are:

• Analysing the transactions at a large retail store.
• The database of Twitter posts.
• The database of Facebook user profiles.
• The Google search index.
• Amazon's product list.
• Analysing machine-generated data, such as network or server log files on very large websites.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Big Data

• It helps make recommendations to customers about items likely to be purchased. This can increase sales revenue and volume.
• It may help to predict future events by analysing global trends.

• In terms of legal requirements around data storage, processing, and transfer, big data poses challenges for businesses.
• Critics argue that big data is a violation of privacy and a tool for governments and corporations to spy on individuals.

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