Write short notes on the following: a) Cloud Computing b) Big data and its Characteristics

Write short notes on the following:

a) Cloud Computing

b) Big data and its Characteristics

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is an emerging trend in information technology where services are delivered over the Internet or the "cloud." These services include software, hardware (servers), databases, storage, and more. Cloud computing allows users to access these services from anywhere using any device. Key points include:

• On-Demand Resources: Users can avail of resources as needed and are usually charged based on usage, making it cost-effective.

• Service Models: There are three primary models:

  • Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Provides virtualized computing resources over the internet.

  • Platform as a Service (PaaS): Offers hardware and software tools over the internet, often for application development.

  • Software as a Service (SaaS): Delivers software applications over the internet, on a subscription basis.

Big Data and its Characteristics

Big Data refers to extremely large data sets that are complex and challenging to process using traditional data processing tools. With the rapid growth of internet usage and digitalization, data is being generated at an unprecedented rate. Here are its key characteristics, often called the "5 Vs":

• Volume: The sheer amount of data being generated is massive. Traditional DBMS tools struggle to handle such large volumes.

• Velocity: This refers to the speed at which data is generated and processed. Big data is characterized by an exponentially higher rate of generation compared to traditional data sets.

• Variety: Big data comes in various forms including structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data types such as text, images, videos, and more.

• Veracity: This relates to the trustworthiness of the data. Inconsistency, biases, and noise in the data can affect its quality.

• Value: Big data often holds valuable insights and patterns, making it highly valuable for businesses and organizations. However, extracting this value requires substantial processing and analysis.

By understanding these aspects, organizations can better leverage big data for strategic decision-making and innovation.