Big Buzz Surrounding Big Data

Learn how to turn big data into huge amounts of knowledge and action at THE Tech EVENT, May 6 to 10 in Dallas, Texas.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Big data is making big waves in today’s mainstream business vernacular, where information gleaned from consumer shopping behavior and transactions are being used to boost profitability and gain a competitive advantage. 

In the past two years alone, IBM says that 90% of the data in the world today has been generated everywhere from sensors used to gather climate information, posts to social media sites, digital pictures and videos, purchase transaction records and cell phone GPS signals — to name a few.

Big data is also pegged as the next frontier for innovation, competition and productivity, according to the McKinsey Global Institute, adding that there is strong evidence that big data can create significant value for the world economy by enhancing the productivity and competition among companies. “While this topic might once have concerned only a few data geeks, big data is now relevant for leaders across every sector,” says the firm in a May 2011 report.

Retailers such as AutoZone rely on big data to customize its deals and promos at the store level. New software from startup NuoDB Inc. helps the company adjust inventory at its 5,000 stores based on information collected from a variety of databases, such as the types of cars driven by people who live near AutoZone stores, reports the Wall Street Journal. 

“We think this is the direction of the future,” Ron Griffin, AutoZone's chief information officer, told the newspaper.

Big data is absolutely a big deal, and those businesses that harness the power of big data can discover emerging trends and insights that offer huge opportunities for operational efficiencies and customer engagement.  

Big Data at THE Tech EVENT 
If big data is a big idea your company wants to harness, register today for THE Tech EVENT, which takes place May 6-10 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas, Texas.

THE Tech EVENT will deliver thought-provoking information, new ideas and countless opportunities to connect with industry peers. IT leader in the c-store industry don’t want to miss out on this event —register today.​ ​