Search

In the last several years a new technology known as Big Data has been developing. Data may now be perceived as "big", but that does not mean it is exclusively for large enterprises. It is a tool now known for being better and better accessible to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) too. Enjoying easier and cheaper access to servers and data centres, delivered through cloud vendors, SMEs now face fewer constraints on upfront investment, the challenges presenting themselves as organisational and strategic by nature. Data is collected and analysed to provide new information and knowledge for useful business. Similar theoretical assumptions were the basis of business intelligence systems. Therefore, whether something new or the evolution of technology is concerned, Business Intelligence will always evolve. The issues outlined above will be analysed in this paper. It consists of a short introduction, after which the concepts and definitions of Big Data are presented. The next section presents results of analysis related to Big Data in different business areas with particular emphasis on applications dedicated to SMEs. The entire discussion ends with a brief conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]