How is big data different from regular data?

What is Cloud Computing?

Put simply, it is a way you can rent software and access shared hardware without having to buy it. Two of the biggest players are:

• Amazon, which mainly rents out access to its servers. As Neil points out in the interview, if you are hosted on a platform like Amazons, theyve got the resources to cope with sudden surges in demand for your website. That way you dont have to pay to buy a lot of capacity that would sit unused most of the time.

• Google, which offers a suite of applications, tools and access to data. Many of them are free; often theres a paid version that gives more functionality for businesses.

How is Big Data Different From Regular Data?

Again, it is really not a new concept: putting together data from various sources such as a credit cards records of your buying patterns, together with demographic data and info on where you live, to analyze and predict what you might want to buy.

What has changed is just the scope of it: theres way more data available now, so the analysis can be more sophisticated.

And Why Should I Care?

For small and mid-sized companies, the cloud has meant that it is cheaper than ever before to try and buy services that will make your business more efficient and profitable.

Just remember, though, that it doesnt solve all your problems. You will still need some technical support, and you must do due diligence. As with any technology investment, you want to be sure that what you sign up for will be around for a while (and that you have a backup plan should they disappear.)

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