Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Introduction
Abstract
The term of
big data
was coined under the explosive increase of global
data and was mainly used to describe these enormous datasets. In this chapter,
we introduce the definition of big data, and review its evolution in the past 20
years. In particular, we introduce the defining features of big data, as well as its
4Vs characteristics, including Volume, Variety, Velocity, and Value. The challenges
brought about by big data is also examined in this chapter.
1.1
Dawn of the Big Data Era
Over the past 20 years, data has increased in a large scale in various fields.
According to a report from International Data Corporation (IDC), in 2011, the
overall created and copied data volume in the world was 1.8ZB (
10
21
B), which
has increased by nearly nine times within 5 years [
1
]. Such figure will double at
least every other 2 years in the near future.
The term of
big data
was coined under the explosive increase of global
data and was mainly used to describe these enormous datasets. Compared with
traditional datasets, big data generally includes masses of unstructured data that
need more real-time analysis. In addition, big data also brings new opportunities for
discovering new values, helps us to gain an in-depth understanding of the hidden
values, and incurs new challenges, e.g., on how to effectively organize and manage
such data. At present, big data has attracted considerable interest from industry,
academia, and government agencies. For example, issues on big data are often
covered in public media, including
The Economist
[
2
,
3
],
New York Times
[
4
],
and
National Public Radio
[
5
,
6
]. Two premier scientific journals,
Nature
and
Science
, also started special columns to discuss the importance and challenges of
big data [
7
,
8
]. Many government agencies announced major plans to accelerate big
data research and applications [
9
], and industries also become interested in the high
potential of big data recently. The era of big data is coming beyond all doubt [
12
].
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