Study on Big Data Options for Small and Medium Enterprises

The terms Cloud Computing and Big Data are often used in the media. Small and medium sized
businesses are realizing that the amount of data they handle could be very large and important in their
decision making and planning. This paper explores the options for handling large amounts of, or “Big”
data in small and medium-sized enterprises. This research considers not just the volume of data, but
the variety of types of data, the velocity in which data is created and transmitted, as well as the
importance of data veracity. Cloud computing is a potential solution. Considering the needs noted
above, small and medium businesses need to work with big data. All indicators show that the volume
of data is rising and will continue to do so simply because of the trends related to customer
interaction. This leaves small and medium businesses with the problem of how to participate. The
cloud is a good option. However, several sources indicate SMEs are reluctant to enter the cloud. This
is likely related to issues of control, particularly ownership. Additionally, there is an access problem
due to the difference in the way small and medium businesses access the Internet. Realistically, the
difference isn’t that surprising since many smaller companies still rely on consumer broadband and
wireless services for access. Only one-third of small and medium sized businesses have actually
invested in networking infrastructure, as a recent IDC [1] study estimated.