by Umar Farouk Kabir | Mar 22, 2022 | Tech & Innovation
In a world that is practically run by technology, more tech trends are coming to light. We live in times where so many sectors have been reinvented due to technological innovations; from the business sectors, agricultural sectors to educational sectors.
Different circumstances create several problems. In a bid to solve these problems, new tech innovations are developed, and before you realize what is going on, those innovations turn into trends. If you are wondering what the latest trends are, you have come to the right place. In this article, we look at some of the top tech trends that will shape the year as far as technology is involved.
If you are simply curious, or you are looking to be a part of the trend, this article will serve as the perfect starting point for the information you need.
Here are the top 10 tech trends in 2022
Top Ten Tech Trends in 2022
1. NFT (Non-Fungible Token)
Surely you have heard or seen this somewhere. NFTs are among the most-talked-about topic in the tech and business sector recently. You will find out why shortly.
So, What is NFT Exactly?
NFT simply means non-fungible token. It still doesn’t make sense right? Alright, let us break it down further. When something is ‘fungible’, it means that it can be traded for something else and you will still have the same thing in terms of value. Here is an example; when you trade your bitcoin with another, you basically still have the same thing but when it comes to non-fungible tokens aka NFTs, it is a one-of-a-kind trading chip. When you trade one NFT for another, you will end up with something entirely different.
So, How Do NFTs Work?
If you are familiar with blockchains, then this should be easier for you to understand. NFTs are a part of the Ethereum blockchain. Basically, Ethereum is a cryptocurrency and its blockchain supports these NFTs.
In simple terms, blockchain is a system in which records of transactions made using bitcoin or another cryptocurrency are maintained.
What is an NFT Exactly?
An NFT can be anything really; anything digital of course. It could paintings, music, poetry, and so on. Anything digital could be an NFT and traded. The massive hype about the NFTs currently surrounds digital art.
2. The Metaverse
Next up in our list of top tech trends in 2022 is the metaverse. There has been a lot of excitement surrounding the metaverse as of late. It received an even bigger share of the limelight when Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg announced the renaming of the company to Meta a few months ago.
To put it simply, the metaverse is an extension of the world you see around you. It is a step further in the realm of virtual reality. In the metaverse, people are able to do everything anything they normally do in the real world. You can design your own avatar just like on the social medial platform, Snapchat, or the famous video game, The Sims. Users can access the metaverse using wearable technology like the Oculus wearable headset. You can attend meetings with associates that are a thousand miles away, go to concerts, shop in malls, and so on. This is one tech trend that is gaining rapid growth and hype in the coming months.
3. Data Fabric
Data fabric also known as data structure provides a flexible, resilient, and robust integration of data sources across platforms and enterprises, making data available everywhere it’s needed regardless of where the data lives.
Furthermore, it can use analytics to learn and actively recommend where data should be used and changed. This can reduce data management efforts by up to 70%.
4. Low-Code Services
Fourth in our list of top tech trends in 2022 is Low-Code. Developing software or a website is a lot of work. The bigger the project, the more tedious it is, the more hours are involved and a lot of written codes. When a company is up against time and needs a particular software ASAP, it provides quite a challenge for the developers, time factor plays a major role in software integrity issues. This is where low-code comes into play.
Low-code is an approach to software development that optimizes the entire development process and accelerates delivery. With low-code, you can streamline the development of apps and software.
Gartner states:
By 2024, low-code application development will be responsible for more than 65% of application activity.
Gartner
Here are some of the benefits of low-code applications:
- Cuts down software development time significantly.
- Enables faster decision making among cross-functional teams
- Improves developer productivity with low-code attributes such as development toolkits.
5. Automation and Hyper-Automation
Another tech top tech trend in 2022 that is here to stay is Automation and Hyper-Automation. Automation is what allows us to speed up the time spent performing all kinds of tasks and increase the accuracy with which we perform them. So with automation, we are guaranteed efficiency in the tasks we perform. 2022 is a year in which we will witness the continuous deployment of essential tools and developments designed to speed up the process of countless tasks. Improvement in effectiveness in performing tasks will free up some time for us from performing those tasks that can be fully automated so that we can dedicate ourselves only to those in which we cannot be automated. Hyper-automation will help to improve decision-making without losing quality, exponentially increasing speed and reducing operating costs by up to 30%.
6. Privacy Enhancing Computation
Nearly everyone is connected to the net via one form or another. With the increasing number of internet usage, personal data protection continues to be an issue for users worldwide. Privacy-enhancing computation is a measure to curb this issue.
Privacy-enhancing computation is the processing of personal data in untrusted environments. This is increasingly critical due to evolving privacy and data protection laws as well as the growing number of social networking customers.
Privacy-enhancing computation utilizes a variety of privacy-protection techniques to allow value to be extracted from data while still meeting compliance requirements.
7. Decision Intelligence
Decision intelligence is another top tech trend in 2022 that we cannot afford to leave out, and you will soon find out why.
Decision-making is never an easy task; there are so many factors to consider, and frankly, nobody wants to make the right decision, especially where business is involved. What if there was a way for organizational decision-making to be made significantly less difficult.
Decision intelligence is an approach that improves organizational decision-making. It models each decision as a set of processes, using intelligence and analytics to inform, learn from and refine decisions.
Decision intelligence can support and enhance human decision-making and, potentially, automate it through the use of augmented analytics, simulations, and AI.
8. Cybersecurity Mesh
Cybersecurity mesh is a flexible, composable architecture that integrates widely distributed and disparate security services.
It also enables best-of-breed, stand-alone security solutions to work together to improve overall security while moving control points closer to the assets they’re designed to protect. It can quickly and reliably verify identity, context, and policy adherence across cloud and non-cloud environments.
(Source: Gartner technology)
9. Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics is a branch of advanced analysis technique that makes predictions about future outcomes using past data combined with statistics, data mining, and machine learning. A lot of companies worldwide employ predictive analysis to sift through tons of data in order to identify potential risks and benefits.
Predictive analysis helps businesses grow and attract profitable customers and improve business operations as a whole.
10. Hoarding Hot Tech Skills
Last but certainly not least in our list of top tech trends in 2022 is the pursuit of tech experts. Why is this a trend? Well, it is no overstatement that the demand for experts with tech skills is outweighing the current supply in the market. The effect of this is that companies that have these experts try hard to hold on to them. Compensation aside, techies look at other things when looking to be employed by a tech company; one of which is hybrid working.
Hybrid working doesn’t only mean one gets to work at home and at the office in equal measure, no. what this actually means is the flexibility and freedom for the employees.
Tech companies are increasingly employing such techniques in an effort to hold on to their prized workers.
Conclusion
The tech industry today is so robust that it is hard to keep track of the current and ongoing trends, So many opportunities, so many innovations, so many – ‘tech’.
It is indeed going to be a very eventful year in this sector, already there are a number of eyebrow-raising trends, and we haven’t even gone through 1/3rd of the year yet.
Of course, these aren’t the only trends out there, but these are the hottest so far.
Visit: Northpad Nigeria for more tech-related write-ups!
by Umar Farouk Kabir | Mar 22, 2022 | Tech & Innovation
The internet is certainly a thing of wonder, it has shaped our lives into what it is today by changing the way we do so many things. You can keep in touch with a loved one despite being hundreds of miles apart, you can shop for groceries and so many other things from the comfort of your home, you can learn about practically anything you want without having to be in a classroom.
Nowadays you don’t necessarily have to go to a hospital to have your health checked, all you need is a smartphone and internet connection, and viola; this is what telehealth is. If you are still a little confused, you should not worry, by the end of this article, you will be fully acquainted with telehealth and what it is all about.
What is Telehealth?
Telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technology, such as computers and mobile devices, to access and manage health care services remotely. These could be technologies that you use at home or that your doctor employs to improve or supplement healthcare services.
Consider how telehealth could assist you if you suffer from an illness. Some or all of the following options are available to you:
- Upload meal logs, prescriptions, dosage, and blood sugar readings to a nurse who answers electronically via a mobile phone or other devices.
- Watch a video about carb counting and then get an app for your phone.
- Use an app to calculate how much insulin you need based on your diet and exercise level.
- See your test results, make appointments, seek prescription refills, and email your doctor via an online patient portal.
- Online ordering is available for testing supplies and medications.
- Rather than making an appointment with a specialist, get a mobile retinal photo screening in your doctor’s office.
What Are The Goals of Telehealth?
- Provide easy access to health services to people living in rural or isolated regions.
- Make services more accessible to persons who have restricted mobility, time, or transit alternatives.
- Access to medical specialists should be made available.
- Improve communication and care coordination between members of a healthcare team and patients.
- Provide assistance with health-care self-management.
Telehealth is all around us, as we can see. Telehealth is pervasive in today’s tech-based world, from your family doctor’s upcoming appointment text reminder to your chiropractor’s post-visit survey. And it isn’t likely to go away anytime soon. According to MarketsandMarkets, the worldwide telehealth market was valued at $2.78 billion in 2016, and it is expected to reach $9.35 billion by 2021, increasing at a compound annual rate of 12%.
Now is the moment to join the telehealth bandwagon if you haven’t already. But what is available in the telehealth sector, and which type of telehealth is ideal for your patient population?
The Four Types of Telehealth
1. Mobile Health (mHealth)
The use of smart devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) and health-based software apps designed for these devices to promote continuing healthcare is known as mobile health. Many health-related applications are now available that can track everything from a diabetic’s blood sugar level to a person’s daily water intake. These applications encourage healthy lifestyle practices and can interact with a patient’s personal health information if they are built to do so.
2. Asynchronous Video
Asynchronous video is the electronic transmission of a patient’s documented health history by a healthcare provider outside of real-time. This sort of telehealth is commonly employed in remote locations when clinicians need to consult with a professional in another place. It also helps bring healthcare to areas where it is lacking, particularly in terms of specialists.
3. Remote Patient Monitoring
Remote patient monitoring is the collection of a patient’s health data from a patient or resident in one location and sending it electronically to a healthcare professional (provider, nurse, etc.) for monitoring and review. It is commonly used for seniors or in senior living settings. RPM is particularly useful in senior care facilities to prevent falls and keep an eye on residents’ vital signs.
4. Live Video-Conferencing
Live video conferencing, the most well-known kind of telehealth, is exactly what it sounds like: a live, two-way video-based conference between a patient and their healthcare provider. Everyone from physicians in local hospitals to clinicians who own their own private practice uses this type of telemedicine. Live video-conferencing not only saves time and stress for both the patient and the practitioner, but it also helps to bring healthcare to rural areas where there aren’t nearly as many possibilities as in cities.
The Difference between Telehealth and Telemedicine
For some that already know about telehealth, it is quite easy to mistake telehealth with telemedicine.
Telemedicine is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “healing from a distance.” This allows you to get treatment without having to make an appointment with your doctor or visit their office for medical services.
Telehealth on the other hand is the use of electronic data and telecommunications technology to support and promote long-distance clinical healthcare, patient and professional health education, public health, and health administration. Telehealth isn’t a product or a service. It’s a means of bettering patient care and physician education. Telehealth encompasses non-clinical events such as appointment scheduling, continuing medical education, and physician training, in addition to telemedicine.
The Benefits of Telehealth
- Everyone’s exposure to COVID-19 is reduced when physical contact is limited.
- You can access health care anywhere you are – at home, at work, or even in your car – with virtual visits.
- Virtual visits eliminate the need for travel, time off from work, and child care.
- Virtual health care tools can help you get an appointment sooner.
- Increased access to specialists who are based in locations other than your hometown
Conclusion
There are various sorts of telemedicine available in the ever-growing telehealth market that can help your patients improve their lifestyle behaviors and improve their overall health. Similarly, telehealth gives you a complete picture of your patient’s daily vitals, allowing you to intervene and/or change treatment to enhance their health.
Click here if you’d like to learn more about telehealth and how to incorporate it into your practice.
Let us know what you think about this amazing piece of tech innovation down in the comment section, and don’t forget to visit Northpad Nigeria for more informative write-ups!
FAQs
What types of care can I get using telehealth?
Lab test or x-ray results, therapy and online counseling, recurring conditions like migraines or urinary tract infections, skin conditions, prescription management, urgent care issues like colds, coughs, and stomach aches, post-surgical follow-up.
What does telehealth mean?
Telehealth allows your doctor to treat you without having to come into the office. Telehealth is primarily done online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet connectivity.
What is the difference between telehealth and telemedicine?
Although these two terms are frequently used interchangeably (including on this website), there is a technical distinction. Telemedicine is the provision of remote clinical patient care, whereas telehealth encompasses a far larger variety of services such as education, patient monitoring, and so on while telehealth refers to the use of digital information and communication technology, such as computers and mobile devices, to access and manage health care services remotely. These could be technologies that you use at home or that your doctor employs to improve or supplement healthcare services.
What are some of the best telehealth apps for smartphones?
Some of the best-rated telehealth smartphone apps in 2022 are Teladoc, Sydney Care, Doximity, MDLive, TalkSpace, Doctor on-demand, and Healow.
How can I evaluate telehealth vendors?
Consider the following 4 critical variables while assessing telehealth vendors:
1. Security
2. Usability
3. Customer Service
4. Clinical Validation
by Umar Farouk Kabir | Mar 15, 2022 | Tech & Innovation
As far as technology goes, we live in the best times in the history of mankind. We live in a time where things we see on TV are increasingly becoming real. Some of our favorite sci-fi concepts have found their way from the TV screens to the real world. One of our favourite fictional ideas is virtual reality. Well the enthusiast, virtual reality is no longer a thing of fiction. A lot of top tech companies have been toying with virtual reality technology for a while now.
This article is meant for virtual reality fans and those that do not know what it’s all about. Read on to the very end, you are guaranteed to learn a lot about what virtual reality is.
What Is Virtual Reality?
So, what is virtual reality, and what is it all about?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the computer is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world. The only limits to near-real VR experiences are the availability of content and cheap computing power.
Is There a Difference Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?
While both these concepts are built around simulation, there is indeed a difference between the two. Think of augmented reality as an inverted virtual reality. Are you still having trouble picturing it? Let’s take it a step further.
Augmented reality involves the simulation of virtual objects in the real world, your physical environment while virtual reality simulates an environment for you to inhabit.
In Augmented Reality, the computer uses sensors and algorithms to determine the position and orientation of a camera. AR technology then renders the 3D graphics as they would appear from the viewpoint of the camera, superimposing the computer-generated images over a user’s view of the real world.
In Virtual Reality, the computer uses similar sensors and math. However, rather than locating a real camera within a physical environment, the position of the user’s eyes is located within the simulated environment. If the user’s head turns, the graphics react accordingly. Rather than compositing virtual objects and a real scene, VR technology creates a convincing, interactive world for the user.
What Are Some of the Ways Virtual Reality Is Applied?
1. Virtual Reality in Sports
Professional sports teams, in particular, are investing in virtual reality to obtain a competitive advantage. Coaches in the NFL and collegiate football are introducing virtual reality technology into their workouts to prepare for games. Virtual reality is being used by NASCAR drivers and soccer teams to retrace their steps and learn from their mistakes.
When it comes to fans, virtual reality is all about new experiences. Users can view highlights from the perspective of a player in the NBA.
2. Virtual Reality in Retail
Online purchasing is convenient, but it frequently requires us to buy first and then try. However, virtual reality allows you to preview furnishings in your own home and test on makeup on your actual skin. Customers will have a better experience as a result of this, and returns will be reduced.
Retailers can deepen engagement with current and potential customers by bringing VR to the next level. They can collect data to sell and customize each user’s buying experience.
3. Virtual Reality in Automotive
In the automotive industry, virtual reality encourages experimentation over a pricey prototype. Ford is utilizing virtual reality technology to bypass the 2D drawing step and go into a 3D model. When creating and redesigning external and interior components, saves time.
Audi and Tesla, for example, are taking this a step further with their virtual showrooms. Users can use their headsets to explore new features and adjustments while driving.
4. Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Virtual reality technology has been widely adopted in the healthcare industry. It aids in the training and preparation of their specialists for real-world scenarios, such as surgery. Complex operations can be planned out by groups. They can even diagnose and cure patients created by computers.
Virtual reality is also being utilized to investigate mental health therapy options. It’s been used to cure a variety of conditions, including alcoholism, claustrophobia, depression, and more. Because headsets may be used in the comfort of one’s own home, they can be a safer and more cost-effective solution for many clients.
5. Virtual Reality in Education/Training
Students were compelled to learn online due to the pandemic. While technologies such as Zoom can help with collaboration, they frequently fall short. Virtual reality can be beneficial. It has the potential to increase student involvement and attentiveness.
But virtual reality isn’t just for academics. Retailers, IT firms, and even the military are utilizing tools to assist in the training of their employees.
What companies are heavily involved with the production of virtual reality technology?
Seeing as virtual reality is one piece of technology that is definitely here to stay, a number of heavyweight tech companies have invested a fortune in its development and production. Here is a compiled list of the top 10 companies heavily involved with VR:
- iTechArt
- Oculus VR
- HTC
- Samsung
- Microsoft
- Unity
- VironIT
- Alphabet/Google
- Next/Now
- CemtrexLabs
Conclusion
Virtual reality is one of the technologies with the most promising future growth prospects. According to IDC Research (2018), investment in virtual reality and augmented reality will increase 21-fold over the next four years, reaching 15.5 billion euros by 2022. Furthermore, these technologies will be critical to businesses’ digital transformation efforts, with spending in this area expected to surpass that of the consumer sector by 2019. By 2020, it is estimated that more than half of the larger European enterprises will have implemented a VR and RA strategy.
This is one concept millions of people are truly excited about; we know we are, but let us know what you think down in the comment section. Also, be sure to check out Northpad Nigeria and read exciting tech articles!
FAQs
What is virtual reality?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, making the user feel they are immersed in their surroundings.
What is the difference between virtual reality and augmented reality?
Augmented reality is the simulation of virtual objects in the real world while virtual reality involves the creation of a virtual environment to be inhabited.
What is virtual reality used for?
Virtual reality is used for a lot of things. To name a few, it is prominently used in gaming, healthcare, education, aviation, and the military.
Do you need any special qualifications to use VR technology?
No. you do not need any special qualifications to use. A lot of VR technology is mass being mass-produced for household use.
How much does a VR headset cost?
There are a lot of affordable VR headsets out there. It’ll cost you anywhere between $299 and $1000; Of Course, it goes even higher than that.
What is the difference between stand-alone VR and PC VR?
Standalone VR is any VR headset that works completely by itself. In contrast, PC VR is any headset that requires a constant connection to a nearby PC
What is Mixed reality?
Mixed reality (MR) is the merging of real and virtual worlds to produce new environments and visualizations, where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time.
by Fatima Sani | Mar 13, 2022 | Local Delicacies
In the northern portion of Nigeria, Miyan Gyada is one of the most popular dishes. It’s not too difficult to make. Because it is mostly cooked with groundnut, Hausas refer to it as Miyan Gyada, while it is called Groundnut Soup in English. In this piece, I am going to teach you how to prepare Miyan Gyada.
Let’s get cooking without wasting too much of your time!
Equipment for Making Miyan Gyada
Ingredients
2 cups of groundnut
Fresh pepper, onions, and tomatoes
2 cooking spoons of palm oil
Meat
Seasoning cubes
Salt to taste
2 medium bunches of spinach or ugwu leaves
Water
Procedure for Preparing Miyan Gyada
STEP 1: Thoroughly wash the meat.
STEP 2: Place the meat in a clean pot over medium heat. Toss in some onions, spices, and a splash of water. Allow for 20 minutes of cooking time.
STEP 3: Prepare the groundnuts while the meat is cooking. Start by removing the stones and dirt from the groundnut, and then place the stone and dirt-free groundnut in a clean tray.
STEP 4: Fry the groundnuts in a clean frying pan for 10 minutes. Allow 5 minutes for cooling.
STEP 5: Using your blender, puree the groundnut until smooth, then set it aside.
STEP 6: Mix the tomatoes, peppers, and onions separately. Before you start blending, make sure you add a little water.
STEP 7: Toss the ground pepper and groundnut into the simmering meat and combine to produce a thick paste. Then;
STEP 8: Thoroughly wash your spinach or ugu leaves and cut or slice them with a chopping board before adding them to the cooking pot.
STEP 9: Pour in the fried palm oil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then;
STEP 10: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow 10 minutes for cooking.
STEP 11: Your Miyan Gyada or Groundnut Soup is ready for consumption.
Swallow that Goes with Miyan Gyada Best
When eaten with Tuwon Shinkafa or Tuwon Masara, it’s excellent. Teba (Eba), Tuwon Semo, and other swallows are possible. It also goes well with Waina, Sinasir, and Fankasau.
How to Serve Miyan Gyada
Miyan Gyada is best served hot with a glass of chilled water or your favorite beverage.
Occasions to Serve Miyan Gyada Best
It can be eaten as one of the three main meals of the day. It could also be offered at weddings, festivals, walima, and other special occasions.
How to Store Miyan Gyada
It can be refrigerated and kept for several days as long as electricity is available. However, in the absence of a refrigerator, it will only last a few days, and only if you keep warming it in the mornings and evenings. It’s crucial to remember that, while you can preserve it, the taste will be different than when it was freshly prepared.
Nutritional Value of Miyan Gyada
Miyan Gyada is high in energy and contains nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that are beneficial to one’s overall health.
Conclusion
Although its preparation is not simple, you will find that it is well worth the time you put into it because the taste is out of this world. You should try to prepare Miyan Gyada for yourself or your family now that you know how to make it.
If you find this article helpful, please leave a comment in the comments section below.
You are always welcome to visit Northpad Nigeria for more local Northern Nigerian delicacies.
by Umar Farouk Kabir | Jan 31, 2022 | Tech & Innovation
Big data is a field that treats ways to analyze, systematically extract information from, or otherwise, deal with data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data-processing application software. Sounds too techie and complicated, does it not? Worry not, in this article we shall break down what Big Data is in simpler, easier terms that could be easily understood for none-techies.
First off, you have to understand what data is. It might sound a bit weird seeing as you use that word so many times in the space of 24 hours, but you’ll be surprised. Also, if you defined data as information, guess what! You got it wrong.
Data and information are in fact not the same as there is a fine line between the two.
What Is Data?
Data is an individual unit that contains raw materials which do not carry any logical meaning. The symbol ‘!’ Is an example of data, but you see on its own, it carries no meaning.
Information is a group of data that collectively carries a logical meaning. What’s more? Data doesn’t depend on information, but information depends on data.
Remember, we’ll break it down into very simple terms and leave out the overly complex parts.
So, data is unorganized and unrefined facts. Information comprises processed, organized data presented in a meaningful and logical context. So it’s safe to say that without data, there will be no information, but without information we can still have data, which is the raw material.
Think about it like raw material and finished products.
Let’s take Wood and Paper for instance. Wood from trees is the raw material (data) and paper gotten from the processed wood is the finished product (information). You see, the paper (information) depends heavily on the raw material, wood (data) in order to exist. Basically, that’s the relationship between data and information.
What Is Big Data?
Big data is simply a collection of data that is too huge and yet continues to grow with time. It is data that is so large and complex that none of the typical data management tools can store it or process it properly.
Do not be confused, Big data is also data but with huge size.
Why Is Big Data Important?
Now that we know what Big Data is, the next question would be “Why is Big Data important”? You want to know what the big deal about big data is.
Firms use big data analysis to improve operations, provide better customer service, create personalized marketing strategies and take other actions that can increase revenue and profits. More so, businesses that use it effectively have a potential competitive advantage over those that don’t see as they’re able to make faster and more informed business decisions based on the data analysis.
Simply put, companies that use big data have access to more vital information and can make smarter business moves compared to companies that don’t use big data.
Big Data isn’t only used in the financial sector, it is used in a variety of fields such as medicine, energy industries, manufacturing and transportation services, and other government uses which include emergency response and crime prevention.
Types of Big Data
There are three types of Big Data and they’re:
- Structured big data
- Unstructured big data
- Semi-structured big data
1. Structured Data
Structured data, just as the name implies, is a set of data that is organized. It is quite easy to work with because all its dimensions are defined by set parameters. A typical example is what you see on a spreadsheet but on a much larger scale.
So, essentially any data that can be stored, accessed, and processed in a fixed format is called structured data.
2. Unstructured Data
Unlike structured data, this type of big data is not organized and sorted with instructions on how to use it. There is a general consensus that only 20% of all data is structured. So, if only 20% of all data is structured, does that mean the remaining 80% of data is unstructured? The answer to that question is yes.
Nearly everything you do with your computers and phones generates unstructured data. A typical example of unstructured data is a data source containing simple text files, images, and videos.
3. Semi-Structured Data
Semi-structured data is like a hybrid of structured and unstructured data, it toes the line between the two types of data. So, semi-structured data can contain both forms of data.
Characteristics of Big Data
Big data has four characteristics:
1. Volume
Just like the name ‘big data’, one of its primary characteristics is volume. Big data is primarily defined by its sheer size. The size of data plays an important role in determining the value out of data. Also, the volume of data is what ultimately determines if a data set is big data or not.
2. Variety
During earlier days, spreadsheets and databases were the only sources of data considered by most of the applications. Nowadays, data in the form of emails, photos, videos, monitoring devices, PDFs, audio, etc. are also considered in the data-processing applications. This variety of unstructured data poses certain issues for storage, mining, and analyzing data.
3. Velocity
Velocity here, just like in our Physics classes simply implies the speed with which data is generated. The speed with which the data is generated and processed shows real potential in the data – the greater the speed, the better.
4. Variability
This has to do with the inconsistency which is portrayed by the data sometimes. This inconsistency hinders the ability to handle and manage the data efficiently.
There are a couple of big data management technologies out there, here are a few:
- Cloudera Data Platform
- Google Cloud Dataproc
- Amazon EMR
- Microsoft Azure HDInsight
Conclusion
Now that you know what big data is all about, you will not be taken aback next time you hear your colleagues talking about it. Big data is something we can see all around us, especially in this day and age where everything is digital. Furthermore, the bigger the digital footprint we make, the bigger the size of data. That is big data analysis is so crucial. Most of the top apps that you use on a daily basis to help make your day better and easier all rely on big data analysis.
See? The article was easy to read and digest, wasn’t it?
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