Big data applications are programs specifically designed to mine, collect and analyze raw data. Big data has gone from being a corporate buzzword to a standard data management strategy for most enterprises. Big data is usually raw or unstructured data that is impossible to manage with traditional relational database technologies. Big data applications have emerged in response to these challenges. Traditional SQL-based databases are now being replaced by NoSQL-databases and other applications.
Big Data Applications 101
Big data applications can solve real-world problems through creating dedicated enterprise data hubs. Companies can actually use cloud-based technology to design and build their own customized big data application to solve their specific issues. This process begins with designing and planning, continues with designated file formats for storage and concludes with the application ingesting and processing data. As a result, end-users receive an easy-to-read report that includes highly accurate and informative results. These application design systems are essentially virtual data ecosystems. Companies can create data sets, develop customized components, manage multi-stage workflows and index and transform data with unique tools.
Big data applications come in every digital shape and size. For example, one application downloads data from street maps, municipal tree inventories and the Department of Agriculture in order to provide interactive maps of fruit trees on public lands, according to Falling Fruit. Ski resorts use RFID tags inserted into lift tickets in order to reduce fraud and wait times as well as understand and manage traffic patterns. Skiers can access the resort’s website in order to view their performance stats, such as the number of runs completed and the number of vertical feet traversed. Traditional news weather forecasters are being replaced by smart phone apps that gather and share sensory data. This means that the phones can act as a barometer, thermometer and lightmeter for individualized weather forecasting purposes.
The Benefits of Big Data
Companies that use big data technologies and applications will outpace their competitors while experiencing increased revenue and realizing huge cost savings. For instance, a big data application that analyzes millions of online customers’ profiles and transaction histories will be able to create highly personalized experiences. A big data application that analyzes millions of insurance claims will be able to statistically identify fraudulent practices and red flags. Today’s consumers are empowered by the Internet and technology to shop smart and save more, so companies need to engage in online one-on-one conversations with them.
Big data applications help companies to redevelop and redeploy services and products because they will understand how consumers truly feel and what benefits they really want. For example, analyzing millions of social media posts will allow companies to identify and understand new demographic segments and geographical locations. Big data applications can mitigate risks through tools like predictive analytics, which allows businesses to scan social media feeds and newspaper reports in order to understand the latest industry developments and consumer trends.
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Finally, big data applications also help to keep data safe by mapping the company’s entire data landscape, which allows business owners to analyze and mitigate threats while detecting sensitive information that is not protected. Real-time big data applications can automatically flag any 16 digit numbers, which may indicate a potential credit card number.
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