Understanding big data
What is big data?
Well, here's one practical definition:
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...