Understanding big data

What is big data?

Well, here's one practical definition:

You have big data when you need to innovate to do with your data what you need to do.

This means that if your biggest database is an Excel sheet where you have reached the limit of 1 million rows, you have big data. In this case, you need to use another application, possibly on other hardware, to keep working with that data.

This definition is more of a joke than a real definition. However, there is a kernel of truth in there, as well as a warning. When you want to do with your data what companies have been doing with their data for years, you are probably better off using a relational database. Some companies implement big data solutions because they feel they have to. They worry that if they don't, the competition will. But without a solid business case for big data, you are better off using a well-known solution on proven technology. The big data world is moving very rapidly. There...