This marks the beginning of what will be a series on the more personal impact of this morning’s announcement about the Human Face of Big Data project at EMC.
Every two days now we create as much information as we did from the dawn of civilization up until 2003. - Eric Schmidt, CEO, Google @ Techonomy 2010
(That’s about 5 Exabytes a day estimated 2 years ago.)
I’m fascinated by the shear quantity of information we produce today and the tools that enable us to use it toward self-empowerment. Our brains may explode in the pressure cooker of analytics if we go too fast, so before I can get to that deeper conversation on why and especially how, I need to start with what.
What is Big Data?
It may or may not have started as an oversimplification, but big data as of today is undeniably clear. ”Big data” at its heart is a simple concept to encompass a massive shift in our world.
I’m most appreciative of Data Science Central‘s breakdown by Diya Soubra. Diya explains big data as being made up of 3v’s:
Big data explained thanks to Diya over at Data Science Central.
The complexity of data sets today, which run the gambit of high exchange rates (velocity), disparate encodings (variety) and mass quantities (volume), leave us with disconnected content. That fact alone is not interesting.
The shift comes now that we have the tools to glean game-changing facts entangled throughout knobby datasets. The data is sometimes described like a nervous system - Forbes knows it. O’Reilly authored it.
But that makes it more complicated. Let’s keep it simpler.
Said another way, data is like a tree root set in its sidewalk ways. These facts – these roots – tell stories of customers, of employees, of true human experiences and potential brand-differentiating value to add to one’s products.
Facts, ready to be uplifted. Just not without the right tools.
So what do you do?
You deracinate. You use every tool available to extract that knowledge.
It is this opportunity to pull disruptive innovation out of the utter chaos of the 3v’s that pushes us to investigate the rich idiosyncrasies hidden in big data.
What is the Human Face of Big Data Project?
Simply stated, the Human Face of Big Data project is:
We’re a sponsor, and I’m proud to say a BIG sponsor.
Before you ask why, take one more second to think about our portfolio. Quick reminder of some foresightful highlights: Isilon. Greenplum. Atmos. Documentum. RSA.
Come with us on the journey to the cloud. There’s a whole to be learned along the way.
Now reconsider the question.
The answer just got much clearer: EMC is a major sponsor of this project because we are a major leader in making the power of big data a reality.
Stay tuned. There is much more to explore as we delve into the personal side of big data.
The #Nerdherd’s word
These and many more big data facts will be coming via Twitter. I’d especially focus on Denis Guyadeen for his thought leadership in the space and passion for the changing times. He also deserves a special thanks for sending the above quote and many more.