The concept of Big Data is not new. It is only that many new concepts and practices keep evolving around them. One such recent trend in Big Data management is the widespread adoption of cloud computing. But before we discuss the relationship between Big Data and cloud solutions, let us understand what Big Data really is.
What is Big Data all about?
As technically defined, Big Data refers to technologies that deal with high volumes of dynamic and diverse data. In simpler words, it involves creating, storing, recovering, and analyzing data that is available in overwhelming volumes and across different types. Let’s take the example of an e-commerce business. An online store will have basic information about its customers, their purchases, buying behavior, product preferences, budgets, and so on. Each of these data sets needs to be analyzed to be able to devise the best sales strategy customized to every customer’s need. Needless to say, when you add it all up, it is indeed a lot of complex data and cannot be processed through traditional systems and applications.
How does it connect to cloud computing?
In a time when we have to constantly deal with such complex and varied data, on a daily (even hourly at times) basis, we need a more structured approach and a well-defined data architecture that can be scaled up. This is where cloud computing has a role to play. With a constantly high volume of data to be processed, only cloud computing with its high computing powers can manage to do the same. Cloud has simplified data storage and processing. It is shaping up to be a very powerful way to analyze Big Data and become a major contributor to data management systems across various industries.
The right combination of technologies
However, to be able to make the most of this perfect combination, cloud computing also needs the right support from its supporting platforms. Cloud service providers are critical to successful management of Big Data by providing massive storage options, scalability, and other operational benefits.
The combination of Big Data and cloud computing bring these opportunities for modern enterprises and their data management-
Agile systems
The virtual server system of a cloud environment makes work happen faster, better, and easier, unlike the time-consuming and complicated processed of traditional data architectures.
Cost-efficient solutions
Cloud technology is a bliss for enterprises with a stringent budget, with data solution options for every budget and every kind of storage need. For example, Cloud Hosting services offered by web hosting providers are generally considered to be cost effective. This makes even small and/or new enterprises to invest in robust data management without burning their pockets.
Scalability
Compared to traditional storage, cloud solutions offer a scalable platform. While in traditional systems, you would need multiple physical servers for higher processing power and increased storage. But with the virtual nature of the cloud, you can allocate resources as and when you need. The processing power remains the same but the storage capacity keeps changing as per the changing needs of your business.
On an ending note…
As these two big technology trends continue to take the market by storm, it is indeed the right time and opportunity for businesses to make the most of it. With an efficient cloud computing system and a reliable cloud platform to support it, you can harness the power of these emerging trends!