How to build a successful big data plan
We live in a unique time: a time when data — big or small — is forcing us to rethink everything, challenge the status quo, and solve problems we previously deemed unsolvable.
But where to start?
It’s no secret that introducing a big data solution can be difficult and feel overwhelming. From working with hundreds of customers (GoPro, BT, CapitalOne, etc.), we (Cloudera) have learned a few things.
Most importantly, a successful big data strategy requires the right mix of people, process, and technology.
Often, the first step to success is ensuring you have a team prepared to delve into this new technology. If you need help advocating to your teammates, here’s a paper sharing a few areas where big data is influencing big decisions.
Start small
Many organizations try to do too much, too fast. There are numerous facets of business, processes, or actionable analytics that can be positively influenced with the introduction of big data solutions. And we want it all — the biggest bang for your buck!
You know what? You should get it all. But first, take a step back. Look at your environment and find an area you’re confident will be improved by introducing a big data solution. Start there. Once you familiarize yourself and your team with the technology, build out. You’ll find plenty of new workloads for efficiencies and insights in all areas of your business. And the great news is, since you’ve already got your initial implementation in place adding these new workloads is a breeze.
Reaching out for consulting help is a good place to turn if you are in this stage. In the meantime, take a look at the five most common big data solutions, a.k.a. “Hadoopable problems.” You may find some inspiration here.
Plan for the future
Just because we started small doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look ahead. The quicker you enable your organization, the better your position will be to make informed decisions in your market.
The beauty of creating a big data solution with Cloudera is that, with your initial proof of concept, you are building a big data hub — a centralized location for all data you could possibly care about. So when you are ready to move on to your second, third, and fourth application of a big data solution, you are already more than halfway there.
This is where having a strategy in place is absolutely necessary.
So what can you do right now?
The best thing you can do today is start a dialogue. Cloudera has been helping organizations just like yours quickly find great ROI with big data solutions since the inception of big data. We’re here to help.
