Big Data is no longer just the domain of large organisations: datasets that cannot be handled satisfactorily by traditional systems are now found throughout the public and private sectors. And because the technology to harness the power of Big Data has come of age, it is within financial reach of many more organisations. The benefits of exploiting Big Data are many, and include the ability to take better and more timely decisions, make money from selling the data, and improve internal information management. With more and more organisations looking to exploit their Big Data, those that do not risk being left behind.

But harnessing the power of Big Data still presents significant challenges – though not all are new. Organisations must choose the right technology to enable the project, and employ the right individuals or partner company to ensure it is a success from start to finish. The skills required are diverse and not yet in abundance.

This white paper will first look at what Big Data is, and the challenges and benefits of exploiting it. It will then explain some specific examples of how government bodies and firms in the telecoms and finance sectors can get the most out of their Big Data. Following this, the paper will look at some of the technologies that make such exploitation possible, and highlight the staff skills that are required to make the initiative a success.