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What is Big Data? Definition and explanations

Big Data refers to data volumes too large, too fast or too varied to be handled by the classic tooling of a single database. It is often characterised by three Vs: volume, velocity, variety. The term describes a technical constraint, not value in itself: many organisations get more out of a small, clean dataset.

In one sentence

Big Data means data too large, too fast or too varied for classic tooling.

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Sources and references

Glossary