Research and analysis

Emerging technologies: big data

The paper explores what 'big data' means, identifies trends and explores opportunities for big data applications.

Documents

Emerging technologies: big data

Details

In this paper, ‘big data’ refers to:

  • large volumes of data with high level of complexity
  • the analysis used for the data that requires more advanced techniques and technologies to gain meaningful information and insights in real time

The main trends include:

  • the emergence of cloud computing
  • new software tools and database systems for large, unstructured datasets,
  • refining analytical tools so that they can process vast quantities of data in near-real time
  • monetisation of big data sources
  • concerns around privacy of data and intellectual property
  • the rise of global smart cities
Published 18 December 2014