Our daily lives have changed forever, thanks to the ubiquity of smartphones and the age of technology-dependent information. We leave a data trail when we travel, shop, drive, blog, and even vote. All of these activities leave us with a unique digital signature that, if analyzed, can predict our next move. Similarly, a vast body of data is created every day by businesses, researchers, and the World Wide Web. According to a government estimate, there are about 1.2 zettabytes (250 billion DVDs) of electronic data generated each year by everything from underground physics experiments and telescopes to retail transactions and Twitter posts ( Mervis 22). This growth in data has created a new challenge and opportunity. The problem is that we don't have enough trained people to analyze Big Data. The opportunity is that if you have the right resources that can turn big data into meaningful use, you will ensure your business success. What is Big Data? Big Data is a vast stream of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data with unique characteristics. These characteristics are collectively called the 5Vs (Keith 13). The first V stands for volume in reference to the large set of data generated. The second V is Velocity, which means how quickly new data is generated. The third V stands for variety, meaning data can come in any form and from a variety of sources. The fourth V is veracity in reference to the uncertainty of the data. The last V corresponds to a data value. Data has perceived value to the organization using it. Big data analytics is the process of extracting meaningful data from big data so that predictions can be made or events can be correlated...... middle of paper. ....Flight. 90 Number 10, p70-76. 7 p.m. 35. McKinsey Global Institute, Big data: The next frontier of innovation, competition and productivity. June 2011.6. MCMAHON, TAMSIN. “Elect Big Brother.” Maclean's 125.41 (2012): 22-26. Academic research completed. Internet. October 27, 2013.7. Keith Gordon, “What is Big Data?” » Oxford Journals. ITNOW (Fall 2013) 55 (3): 12-13 doi:10.1093/itnow/bwt0378. Skiba, Diane, J. “Disruption in Higher Education: Massively Open Online Course Moocs.” » Perspectives on Nursing Education 33.6 (2012): 416-417.CINAHL Plus with full text. Internet. November 4, 2013.9. Solving the Job Gap for Big Data Analytics Careers Requires Access to Cutting-Edge Technology and Big Data: Survey. ENP newswire. (04/30/2013)10. Mearian, Lucas. “The IT skills gap requires leaders to get creative.” Computerworld 46.8 (2012): 10. Computing and Applied Sciences Completed. Internet. November 23. 2013.