IBM Corporation has identified that the new era of smarter business will be driven by key areas of technology that includes mobile, social, cloud, big data and analytics.[blockquote right=”pull-right” cite=”IBM”]Big data is the term for a collection of data sets so large and complex that it becomes difficult to process using on-hand database management tools or traditional data processing applications. [/blockquote]
Combined, these are transforming the way business is done in fundamental ways, the technology giant told a business forum organised at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lagos that brought different professionals in Marketing, HR and Finance.
At the business forum IBM demonstrated the real impact and benefits of big data and analytics through a rich mix of visionary expert sessions and practical user-cases.
With data growing at extraordinary rates and users demanding quick, effective analysis of this data, IBM says that only agile and nimble players will play in the emerging business landscape.
Big data is the term for a collection of data sets so large and complex that it becomes difficult to process using on-hand database management tools or traditional data processing applications.
The challenges include capture, curation, storage search, sharing, transfer, analysis and visualization.
IBM however can help your organization extract significant value from big data as part of your overall analytics initiative, the technology company says.
According to IBM, “with new ways to blend traditional information with big data, new types of analytic techniques and smarter visualizations, you can use business analytics to capitalize on the unique characteristics of big data.”
In the area of cloud, IBM is expanding its cloud services to lure customers to its SoftLayer Technologies Inc. business which the tech company reckons is making it easier for developers to build and adjust applications in the cloud, where information is delivered online instead of stored on local servers, Danny Sabbah, Chief Technology Officer of IBM’s Next Generation Platform says.
Some of the benefits include gaining deeper understanding of the dynamics of your business by visualizing and analyzing big data and integrating the results with traditional information.
According to Sabbah, big data also offer more accurate answers by applying predictive analytics to more varied types of data, such as text and social networks. It also enables businesses to automate and optimise decision-making by modelling big data and using it as part of analytical decision management while reducing IT costs by using less costly big data technologies.
‘’Adopting a big data and analytics strategy can help you plan, manage and maximise operations, supply chains and the use of infrastructure assets. Gain the insights you need to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and productivity and limit threats’’, IBM says.