Introduction
The world is generating more data than ever before, and it’s growing at a rate of 44{6f258d09c8f40db517fd593714b0f1e1849617172a4381e4955c3e4e87edc1af} per year. That sounds like a lot — but what does it mean? In this article we’ll examine how your personal data is being used and why it matters, along with some signs that things are changing even as they stay the same.
Big Data Is Not Bigger
- Data is growing, but not as fast as it used to.
- Data is growing globally.
- Data is growing in all industries and areas of life and business.
- The term “big data” was popularized by Gartner research director Doug Laney who defined the concept as “high volume, high velocity, and/or high variety information assets that require new forms of processing to enable enhanced decision-making.” In other words, big data refers to an enormous amount of information that can be analyzed using computer models (i.e., algorithms) or human analysis (i.e., analyzing trends).
The New Normal For Data Storage Is Tapes
The new normal for data storage is tape.
Tape has been around for decades and is still the go-to medium for backups, archiving and cold storage. It’s cheaper than disk, more durable and reliable than disk (with an MTBF of 2 million hours), it can be stored for longer periods of time without degradation and requires less energy to operate than disks–and that’s just scratching the surface of its benefits!
You may not have heard much about tape because it hasn’t really changed much over time aside from increasing capacity; however there are many reasons why this technology will continue to thrive in modern IT environments:
Data Is Moving To The Cloud
Data is not just stored on your computer. It’s also in the cloud. Cloud computing is a network of computers that are connected to the internet, and it has become a popular way for companies to store and manage large amounts of data. As more people access their files from any device, anywhere, cloud storage makes it easy for businesses to share information quickly across teams or departments–without having to worry about setting up servers in each office location (or even country).
Big Data Will Not Replace Smart People — But It May Make Us Smarter
Big Data isn’t going to replace smart people. But it can make them smarter.
Data can help businesses understand their customers better, and that understanding is critical for making good decisions. And the same goes for your own business: understanding what’s going on within your company is essential if you want to make informed decisions about where it’s headed and how best to get there.
Sure, we’re generating more data than ever, but the bigger story is what we do with it and how it changes our lives.
You’re probably familiar with the old adage that “big data is bigger than ever.” But if you think about it, that statement doesn’t make much sense.
Data has always been big. It’s just that now we can do more with it than ever before–and for good reason: having more information about ourselves and our world gives us an edge in making decisions and taking action. The question isn’t whether or not we have enough data; instead it’s how we manage, analyze and secure all this information so that it can be used effectively and responsibly (and even shared!).
Conclusion
The world of big data is changing, but it’s not going away. The best way to stay ahead of the curve is by keeping an eye on what’s happening and thinking about how your company can use its data to improve its products or services. And if you’re worried about being left behind because your organization doesn’t have enough data yet? Don’t worry–there are plenty of ways to start collecting information today!
