What is big data? Everything a business needs to know

Big data has inspired a great deal of hype over the past few years, gaining traction as the thing that all businesses should be doing, but what is it? Big data basically refers to extremely large data sets that can be analysed to reveal patterns, trends and various insights. The term has its critics as something that over simplifies a complex area that includes a multitude of different technologies and services. The rise of big data in business is being pushed by the exponential growth and availability of data, both structured and unstructured…