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Too Big to Ignore summary

Phil Simon

The Business Case for Big Data

4.1 (15 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

'Too Big to Ignore' by Phil Simon is a guide to using big data in business. It explains what big data is, why it matters, and how to use it effectively to gain insight and make better decisions.

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    Too Big to Ignore
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    Our changing consumption patterns and plummeting technology costs have led to the growth of “Big Data.”

    Everyone’s talking about Big Data these days, and many companies hire data scientists. But what exactly is Big Data? And why is it spreading now?

    “Big Data” refers to huge data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with easily. They can’t be processed using basic applications like Microsoft Excel or Access.

    The growth of Big Data has been driven by our changing consumption patterns. Smart phones, cloud computing and broadband connections ensure that we’re constantly consuming and generating data.

    This new, fast and simple access to data ensures that we’re always “on.” Think about it – what’s the first thing you do when your plane lands? Turn on your phone, right?

    After that, you probably check your email, Facebook or Twitter. When you do that, you aren’t just accessing data – you’re creating it. This kind of consumer behavior created Big Data.

    Our consumption patterns have changed because of plummeting technology costs. Technology – especially storage and bandwidth – has become extremely cheap.

    This change really can’t be understated. Modern, inexpensive technology enables and even encourages us to contribute to Big Data. How many TV series would you stream if each episode cost $10 of bandwidth, on top of rental or purchasing fees?

    In 1990, data storage cost $10,000 per GB. By 2010, that figure had fallen to ten cents.

    Affordable technology and Big Data allow for 48 hours of video to be uploaded to YouTube every minute. It allows over 200 billion videos to be viewed each month. Without Big Data, such things wouldn’t be possible. So what are we supposed to do with it?

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    What is Too Big to Ignore about?

    Too Big to Ignore explains why Big Data is tremendously important for your business. It illustrates the ways that Big Data analysis can revolutionize your company, and takes you step by step through the tools you need to harness it. It also looks ahead to our Big Data future.

    Too Big to Ignore Review

    Too Big to Ignore (2012) is an intriguing exploration of Big Data and its impact on businesses, governments, and society as a whole. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It unveils the important role of Big Data in decision-making and highlights the profound changes it brings to various industries and sectors.
    • Through compelling case studies and real-world examples, it demonstrates the power and potential of Big Data in driving innovation and improving businesses.
    • The book effectively conveys complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner, making it an engaging read that ensures you won't find it boring.

    Best quote from Too Big to Ignore

    Big Data only brightens the flashlight, it does not eliminate darkness.

    —Phil Simon
    example alt text

    Who should read Too Big to Ignore?

    • Anyone interested in entrepreneurship or business
    • Anyone interested in technology
    • Anyone looking to use Big Data in their company

    About the Author

    Phil Simon is a technology consultant, and the author of The Age of the Platform. His work has been featured on NBC, CNBC, ABCin BusinessWeek and The Huffington Post.

     

    © [Phil Simon: Too Big to Ignore] copyright [2013], John Wiley & Sons [Inc. or Ltd. as applicable] Used by permission of John Wiley & Sons [Inc. or Ltd. as applicable] and shall not be made available to any unauthorized third parties.

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    Too Big to Ignore FAQs 

    What is the main message of Too Big to Ignore?

    The main message of Too Big to Ignore is that technology is shaping our lives and businesses in ways that cannot be ignored.

    How long does it take to read Too Big to Ignore?

    The reading time for Too Big to Ignore varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Too Big to Ignore a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Too Big to Ignore is a compelling read for anyone interested in the impact of technology. It provides valuable insights and practical takeaways in a concise format.

    Who is the author of Too Big to Ignore?

    Phil Simon is the author of Too Big to Ignore.

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