Analytics Magazine Analytics Magazine, May/June 2014 | Page 46

VO L UME, VE LO C I T Y, VA R I E T Y A N D ... The big ‘V’ of big data Keys to tapping the hidden “value” of big data. BY (l-r) PRAMOD SINGH, RITIN MATHUR, ARINDAM MONDAL AND SHINJINI BHATTACHARYA “There is a big data revolution. However, what is revolutionary is not the quantity of data alone. The big data revolution is that now we can do something with the data.” – Professor Gary King, Harvard University W hile storage and computational capacity is essential and a given, it is important to note that improved statistical and computational methods are creating opportunities like never before when dealing with big data. Today, large amounts of data are available that individuals, businesses and governments can manage 46 | A N A LY T I C S - M A G A Z I N E . O R G and leverage for information that can lead to insights. However, it is essential to analyze information in a cost-effective manner. High volume, variety and velocity of data cannot translate into value unless management makes a concerted effort. Unlocking this value that businesses can get from big data involves three key elements: W W W. I N F O R M S . O R G