Big data: What's the big deal

Currently, big data is one of the most closely watched technologies, one that will change the development of all industries. By 2015, big data is estimated to bring in USD 16.9 billion into the market. Its broad applications have attracted large investments from IT firms, and all processes in the big data industry chain have already been seized by large enterprises. Mature IT firms and data analysis firms, such as IBM and SAS, are leveraging their strengths to expand and provide big data related services; meanwhile, new companies, such as Cloudera, are also emerging in the era of big data and performing well in the market. Who will lead the future development of the big data industry? What changes have there been in the applications of big data in recent years? What challenges must the development of big data overcome?