“Big Data” Makes Smart Living Come True

Abstract

The invention of the personal computer, the Internet and cloud technology has bound computers and people closer together. A dynamic new concept every three to five years, and is embraced by the world while bringing the market new business opportunities. Between 2008 and 2012, the large amount of digital data being produced and used resulted in the term "big data" coming into the spotlight. The total population of Internet users around the world surpassed the 2 billion mark in 2011. There are now more than 4 billion mobile phone subscribers and over a trillion inter-connected devices. Such an environment has led to digital data growing at unprecedented rates. "Big data" refers to not just the "Volume" of data but also its "Variety" and "Velocity". People are now using different applications and analytical software/hardware to identify clues, trends and business opportunities through different kinds of data.