X
Business

Research: Big data pays off

Tech Pro Research's latest survey shows that 82 percent of those who have implemented big data have seen discernible benefits.
Written by Teena Maddox, Contributor

As big data expands, it affects companies in a range of industries and sizes. Although the perception is often that only larger organizations can benefit from big data, a recent Tech Pro Research survey reveals that smaller businesses are also benefiting from implementation.

The survey reached 144 respondents worldwide to discuss budgeting for big data, benefits and employee staffing. The resulting report, Big Data Trends: Costs, Payoffs, Outcomes, Staffing, also gives insight into reasons why some companies have rejected Big Data.

As seen in the chart below, 46 percent of survey respondents have either already implemented big data, are in the midst of implementation, or are planning to implement it. The growth potential for big data is evident in the fact that more than half (26 percent) of this segment are planning to implement, showing the current youthful stage of the trend.

Big Data implementation

Of those who have implemented big data, as seen in the next chart, 82 percent report seeing at least some payoff in terms of goals achieved. Only 4 percent say they've experienced no identifiable value. Some of the areas that have paid off for organizations are in business analytics, data management, speeding up decision-making capabilities and forecasting future trends.

Big Data value

If you're looking for a growing field in which to work, it's interesting to note that respondents say their organizations are adding positions for big data analysts, scientists and technicians. Among those who have either implemented big data or plan to do so, 53 percent say they intend to hire additional employees in this field. However, 46 percent report difficulties finding qualified candidates for big data jobs.

There are also cautionary notes for those about to implement big data: survey respondents shared their thoughts on the areas that need improvement, and where costs were higher than expected.

In short, big data is not a hyped-up concept that's likely to prove short-lived, consuming resources without delivering results. Rather, it's a burgeoning industry that's well on its way to  becoming solidly established across organizations of all kinds. 

Download the full report, Big Data Trends: Costs, Payoffs, Outcomes, Staffing. This report is free to all Tech Pro Research subscribers.

TechRepublic, which is ZDNet's sister site, and its premium site Tech Pro Research, provide information that IT leaders need to solve today's toughest IT problems and make informed decisions. Visit Tech Pro Research for information on becoming a member.

Editorial standards