Big data: origins, development, and prospects

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of big data as a technological phenomenon, its origins, development, and prospects. It is noted that the concept of «big data» developed gradually, reflecting the growth of computing capabilities and the increasing complexity of the information environment in two parallel streams: in industry in the mid-1990s and in the academic environment. In 2001, analyst Douglas Laney introduced the concept of the «three Vs» (Volume, Velocity, and Variety) which became fundamental to understanding big data and remains the basis for most scientific and practical definitions. Later, researchers proposed several expanded models, namely Veracity, Value, and Complexity. The development of big data is examined and can be roughly divided into several key stages, each marked by technological advances that expanded the capabilities for collecting, storing, and analyzing information.  It is shown that the phenomenon of big data brings with it both broad opportunities and significant challenges related to technical, organizational, legal, and ethical dimensions. Among the new opportunities, the following should be noted: the ability to identify hidden patterns on a scale inaccessible to traditional methods; the possibility of personalizing services based on behavioral profiles; the acceleration of scientific discoveries through the analysis of large datasets in genomics, climatology, and astrophysics; and the improvement of the effectiveness of management decisions in business and public administration. The article highlights the connection between big data and other promising technologies, including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and blockchain technologies, as well as opportunities for their application in the public and private sectors. The prospects for the development of big data in the coming years are identified as extremely broad: rapid market growth, deeper integration with artificial intelligence, the expansion of edge computing, and the democratization of analytical tools, which will ensure a new level of decision-making efficiency in all spheres of human activity. Refs.: 24 titles.