Big Data - the Revolution that Could Change Everything

Abstract

The English philosopher Sir Francis Bacon famously wrote in the 16th century that knowledge is power. The big data revolution will enhance the quality and quantity of our knowledge base in new ways, giving us the power to dramatically improve our lives. The big data revolution is driven by two factors. Firstly, the volume, velocity and variety of information being generated and stored in this decade far exceeds anything the world has ever known. Secondly, computing hardware and software have developed stupendous capacities to efficiently analyze these exabytes of data. Those who seek power, desire tools that give them the upper hand over their competitors, the so-called winning edge. Knowledge derived from data analytics is a significant aspect of this quest. Corporations, governments, universities, scientists and everybody else, are focused on leveraging the big data revolution that is poised to change everything.