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In-Depth Information
1.3 Key Roles for the New Big Data Ecosystem
As explained in the context of the Big Data ecosystem in Section 1.2.4, new players
have emerged to curate, store, produce, clean, and transact data. In addition, the
need for applying more advanced analytical techniques to increasingly complex
business problems has driven the emergence of new roles, new technology
platforms, and new analytical methods. This section explores the new roles that
address these needs, and subsequent chapters explore some of the analytical
methods and technology platforms.
The Big Data ecosystem demands three categories of roles, as shown in
Figure 1.12
.
These roles were described in the McKinsey Global study on Big Data, from May
2011 [1].
Figure 1.12
Key roles of the new Big Data ecosystem
The first group—Deep Analytical Talent— is technically savvy, with strong analytical
skills. Members possess a combination of skills to handle raw, unstructured data
and to apply complex analytical techniques at massive scales. This group has
advanced training in quantitative disciplines, such as mathematics, statistics, and
machine learning. To do their jobs, members need access to a robust analytic
sandbox or workspace where they can perform large-scale analytical data
experiments. Examples of current professions fitting into this group include
statisticians, economists, mathematicians, and the new role of the Data Scientist.
