The Real Big Data Podcast with Mark Sear – September 2012

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Big data: those are the words on everyone’s lips right now. What is it? Where does it come from? What do I do with it? How can I use it? Will it crush me? Those are just some of the questions people are asking about big data and with the Voice of Big Data — our new regular podcast — we aim to tackle those questions, and we also want YOUR input.

Over the coming months I, Mark Sear, will be exploring the impact of big data on the world — how it changes businesses, governments, societies, cultures and individuals. Alongside a host of industry experts, ranging from influential business people to journalists to analysts, I’ll be cutting through myths surrounding this hot topic and trying to get to the heart of this thing called big data. I’ll also be answering your questions, so get submitting them to podcast@therealbigdata.com or leave a comment on the site. You can listen to the podcast below.

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The Big Data Insider News Bulletin: 03/09/12

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With new stories emerging about big data every week, about everything from setting up a strategy to the ethics of acting on insights, it’s an interesting time to be in the field. Our weekly digest finds the most important news stories from the last week, upcoming events from around the world, what’s being said about big data on social networks and exciting ways that this information is being visualised. Read on for all the latest big data news!


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Why Facebook is like the Weather: Big Data Helps Climate Scientists Analyse Global Trends

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Studying the climate is one of the most important tasks currently being undertaken by scientists across the world, since it allows them to analyse patterns and form accurate predictions of what the future holds. Regardless of your feelings on climate change, understanding of the climate remains essential.
 
This is particularly crucial at a time when more and more evidence of human-influenced climate change is being unearthed. But with the mountains of data that is being generated in the search for answers and solutions to climate problems, it is necessary for researchers to turn to big data and cloud computing to give them the support and infrastructure they need to carry out accurate and wide-ranging work. EMC is a world leader in both areas, and its great to know that I’m involved in a (very) small way with furthering this research.
 
In a recent ZDNet report, a number of scientists outlined the different ways in which big data and the cloud were helping their cause. Those of you who watch the Discovery Channel (and yes, I’m addicted!) will shortly see some of the technology mentioned in this article on that channel. Big data is even helping insomniacs by contributing to some great TV for us to watch at 2am!
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