Big Data is still in Spring Training

While we all run around gushing about the amazing ‘new’ world of Big Data we need to keep in mind that the entire concept of Big Data didn’t spring on us suddenly from behind a technology bush. There’s been a technology progression that brought us to this point, and today’s Big Data will be tomorrow’s Small Data.

Beyond the fact that it is more an evolution than many think, Big Data is still in its very, very early years. Just as PowerPoint slides reflect the size, shape and function of the overhead projector, we’ve only digitized what was already available in writing or speech. So far, we’ve just lowered the technology barrier to storing and processing the same old data. Interesting, yes. Revolutionary? No.

There are five human senses (depending on your trust of fortune tellers, etc.). From my perspective, we’ve tackled ‘hear’. What happens when we digitize the data from touch, smell, taste and see? Especially ‘see’. Video as a data stream? It’s coming. Very soon.

The possibilities are beyond our ability to predict.