Big data is a set of tools capable of receiving a large volume and variety of data.
Because it has a huge volume and a lot of variety, this data cannot be interpreted and processed by conventional software. Big data came about because of its agility and ability to interpret data in large volumes and of different types.
After this data is analyzed and interpreted, it can be used in business strategies, for example.
What is Big Data for?
Big data was created with the purpose of receiving, identifying and interpreting as much data as possible.
The result of this process allows companies to use the information collected in the creation of new products, customer loyalty, interpretation of the interest of the target audience, among others circumstances.
Companies like Netflix and Facebook use big data to gauge the interest of their users and send content and products that match their browsing choices, for example.
Consequently, they retain a large number of customers, because they are always attentive to the wishes of those who use their services.
What types of data do big data find?
structured data
These are traditional databases, organized in tables, columns and rows. These types of data are those that are easy to interpret, such as texts and numbers.
Semi-structured data
It is data that has both structured and unstructured patterns. This type of data is more difficult to interpret as it has a heterogeneous structure.
Some examples are audio files and even information generated by social networks.
Unstructured data
This is the most common data type today, accounting for over 80% of the data in big data. These are, for example, images, videos and documents that have a great diversity of sources, which is why they are not standardized and easy to interpret, with structured data.
The 5 V's of big data
To understand the general structure of big data, it is necessary to know the functions of the 5 V's that guide this tool set. Are they:
Volume
The volume and theamount of data present in big data. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be around 1 billion terabytes stored globally.
This volume comes from through countless types of transactions made on the internet, such as sending emails, shopping at online stores, banking transactions, interactions on social networks, among others.
Variety
In big data, the variety refers to the different types of data received by the tools.
The data were mostly structured and easy to analyze and interpret. As instant interactions on the internet grew, data types changed quickly as well, from which semi-structured and unstructured data emerged.
Speed
speed is instant interpretation of received data.
It is already known that big data has a large volume of data every day, however, another important characteristic is the speed that this data reaches the tools.
Since most of the time interactions and transactions are instantaneous, the speed of analysis and interpretation of this data it must be immediate, especially for companies to resolve issues in real time, gaining competitive advantage in the Marketplace.
veracity
Truth is the power of big data select data that is useful and truthful to use.
With the huge amount of different structures, it is important to identify which of the incoming data is useful and reliable.
Veracity is one of the biggest and most important characteristics of big data as it is the area that directly impacts what can or cannot be used in companies' strategy.
In addition to being truthful, this data must also match the time it was collected, as data referring to past events is of no value.
Value
The value refers the usefulness that interpreted data can have for a company.
A company that embraces big data, for example, needs data that is useful and has value for its strategy. Otherwise, data that does not make sense or cannot be used ends up being inefficient for the company.
Where can big data be applied?
The use of big data goes far beyond its use in private companies. This large set of resources has managed to change the way we move around the city, how we shop and even how we avoid epidemics.
Here are some situations where big data can be applied.
Urban mobility
With the instant receipt and interpretation of data, the way we move within cities today has become much faster and more accurate.
With the information received by big data, for example, it is possible to know the best way to get there at your destination, which means of public transport to take or even know how long it will take you to to arrive.
Advertising
It is through big data that large companies are able to analyze and understand the behavior of their customers and potential customers.
That's why, when browsing the internet, you are impacted by products and services based on your search history.
Public and individual health care
Big data can capture what people say or search on the internet. This helps to prevent major epidemics, when tools capture, for example, that a large number of people in a certain region are complaining about flu symptoms or any other disease.
In addition, big data is able to interpret a DNA sequence in seconds, which makes it possible to prevent diseases or even cure them.
See also the meaning of Data Warehouse and Data Mining.
