It's that time of year again; time for technology experts and service providers alike to make their top predictions for 2016. It's no surprise that big data ranks highly yet again, as companies look for new ways to leverage this resource and make sure they've got the right staff for the job. Here are four of the biggest big data predictions for the coming year:
Big To Bigger
According to Tech Republic, one trend to watch in 2016 is the rise of “bigger” data. As more devices of multiple types are connected to corporate systems, the sheer volume of data will substantially increase. Two areas of specific growth include mobile payments and Social Media 2.0, both of which will generate large volumes of personal and financial data.
Bigger data demands better control over databases along with the ability to curate and cull data, since it won't be possible to store — or make use of — every piece of information generated by wireless sensors and consumer interactions with front-facing services. Dealing with bigger data in the new year means getting a handle on existing sources: Find and leverage an effective data management tool now rather than later to define data handling best processes before information volumes get out of hand.
Data, Data Everywhere
Information Management, meanwhile, predicts the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that will necessitate a shift in the way companies approach big data resources. Right now, it's easy to categorize IoT devices into just a few narrow groups: Smartphones and tablets, wearables and sensor-equipped devices such as thermostats. As IoT technologies diversify over the next year, however, expect this market to undergo significant diversification.
For companies looking to make the most of big data in 2016, embracing IoT is a necessity. This starts by prepping corporate networks to handle and secure the bandwidth needed by multiple devices of varying types. More importantly, however, companies must also embrace a similar concept: The Internet of Everything (IoE). Unlike IoT, IoE encompasses the infrastructure — people, hardware and processes that enable IoT networks to operate securely and efficiently.
Flash in the Pan
Technologies to support data are also on the cusp of going mainstream over the next 12 months. A recent Silicon Angle piece, for example, notes that flash-based storage systems may quickly become the de facto standard for handling big data. Both tech giants and startups now offer flash as an alternative to traditional storage, with many startups choosing to fully re-design disk architecture while more established companies choose to retro fit their existing infrastructure to support flash. The speed and storage size benefits of flash are well-established; expect strong growth and falling prices through 2016 as providers look to corner specific market segments.
Staff Sourcing
When it comes to managing big data, 2016 may prove a difficult year. The problem stems from a lack of skilled data professionals in a market that is rapidly expanding — in fact, 46 percent of IT leaders said that analytics and business intelligence are the most difficult to find. Companies have two options for filling the gap: Re-train current IT professionals to handle the influx of big data, or be willing to spend on — and fight for — the right IT staff. Bottom line? The management of big data still demands a human touch; effective management will be critical in 2016.
Ready for big data in 2016? It will be bigger, generated across more devices, stored by flash and (ideally) handled by big data IT pros.
Sheldon Smith is a Senior Product Manager at XO.com, a telecommunication services provider that specializes in nationwide unified communications and is one the nations leading SIP trunk providers. Sheldon has an extensive background in UC and he is a results oriented leader with over 15 years in the Technology industry. His position involves overall product ownership of Hosted PBX, SIP, VoIP and Conferencing.