The Difference Between Big Data and Small Data

 

There is still a lot of hype around big data, however small data is increasingly gaining its popularity over the years and becoming one of the trustworthy data sources in the IT markets. To know the reason for this preference change, we first need to understand the concept of both data and the key differences between these two data.

Starting with the basic concept of big data, it is the data which contains greater ‘Variety’, arriving in increasing ‘Volumes’ and with more ‘Velocity’. These Three V is the essential part of defining the type of data by many expertises.

First, data volume is the amount of data available for processing. Since the amount of data differs in small data and big data, big data requires a large volume of information. 

Second, data variety which is the number of data types. In the past, the data used to be collected in one format and also delivered in the same format. However nowadays, a non- traditional data variety has come out like video, text and more and these forms require more work and analytical power to make it manageable.

Last but not least, data velocity. It is the speed at which information is acquired and processed. Since big data is like a massive chunk of information, it is usually analyzed periodically and it takes much longer to process than small data.

If you understand these three concepts, there would be no difficulties defining the difference between big data and small data because these three “V” (Volume,Variety, Velocity)s are the main differences.

To sum up, small data is much easier for humans to comprehend and process in terms of volume and variety. Therefore, small data can be used in making short term decisions or analyzing more individuals' experiences.

On the other hand, big data is a collection of structured data and unstructured data which refers to the massive volumes of data. As a consequence, it requires more sophisticated data processing methods such as algorithmic techniques and offers a much deeper and broader understanding and insight.

It is hard to say which one is better than the other since both data offer different perspectives. However it is worth noting that corporations should wisely use both big data and small data to drive better understanding of a business and its customers.