Understanding the Size of Big Data: How Many GB Is Considered “Big”?

Data has become an indispensable part of modern organizations, and with the increasing use of technology, data generation has increased exponentially. The term “Big Data” is often used to describe the large volumes of data that organizations deal with. However, what actually constitutes “Big Data”? How many GB is considered “Big”? In this article, we will delve into this topic and gain a better understanding of the size of Big Data.

Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let’s first define what Big Data is. According to Forbes, it is “a collection of data from traditional and digital sources inside and outside your company that represents a source for ongoing discovery and analysis.” The data that constitutes Big Data is typically characterized by its high volume, velocity, and variety. This makes it difficult to process and analyze using traditional methods.

What Is the Typical Size of Big Data?

When it comes to the size of Big Data, there is no specific number that can be used as a benchmark. The size of Big Data can vary widely depending on the industry, the organization, and the purpose for which the data is being used. A study by Domo found that:

– In 2020, 1.7MB of data was created every second for every person on earth.
– In the same year, 2.5 quintillion bytes of data were created every day.

However, these numbers tell us nothing about the size of Big Data. To understand the size of Big Data, we need to look at specific examples.

Examples of Big Data

Let’s take a look at some examples of Big Data:

– Facebook: With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, Facebook generates an enormous amount of data. Each time someone logs in, interacts with a post, or performs any other action, data is generated. In 2019, Facebook’s data centers processed an average of 350 petabytes of data per day.
– Amazon: As one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies, Amazon generates vast amounts of data. According to a report by The Verge, in 2019, Amazon’s AWS data centers processed 2.3 million requests per second.
– Healthcare: Healthcare generates a massive amount of data through patient records, medical imaging, and more. According to a report by IBM, the amount of data generated by healthcare is expected to reach 2,314 exabytes by 2020.

These examples give us a good idea of the sheer volume of data that organizations deal with in today’s world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the size of Big Data can vary significantly depending on the organization and industry. There is no specific number that can be used as a benchmark. However, by looking at specific examples, we can get a better understanding of the scale of Big Data. It’s essential for organizations to have robust data infrastructure and analytical capabilities to handle the large volumes of data generated in today’s world. By doing so, they can unlock valuable insights and drive business growth.