August 2016 - GaiaQ

Security Issues Inhibiting the Growth of Cloud Computing (Rank Princess)

Security Issues Inhibiting the Growth of Cloud Computing

Reports of breaches in cloud computing security have developed a dark cloud over the growth of cloud computing. Worries about security issues have kept the rate of adoption of cloud computing considerably low.

Cloud computing is a new technology

Cloud computing is a new technology in the field of IT. This technology uses the Internet to share resources and information instead of using local servers and personal devices.

It promises global exposure to small and medium-sized companies desiring to make a mark in the global market. Cloud service providers offer flexible yet cheaper alternatives to many problems.

Beneficial to businesses

Cloud storage can be beneficial to companies as it involves reduced operating expenses as compared to traditional computing. The implementation of the cloud platform complements growth with innovation.

Even companies with a small budget can develop extraordinary business agility through cloud computing.

Security issues hampering the cloud market’s growth

Instances of shortfalls in cloud computing security of many cloud service providers have generated questions regarding cloud computing risks. Fear about the security of the data stored in cloud storage is inhibiting the growth of cloud computing.

Almost half the companies globally are ready to embrace cloud computing if they are assured of air tight security.

Types of clouds and deployment models

There are three types of cloud services provided to clients by cloud service providers namely, SaaS or Software as a Service, PaaS or Platform as a Service, and IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service.

There are different deployment models for cloud computing – private cloud, public cloud and hybrid cloud.

Security risks associated with these deployment models

The security risks that hamper the growth of cloud computing vary with each model.

In the private cloud deployment model, the security risk is the least as the cloud is owned by the company and the functionality is not divulged to customers.

The public cloud deployment model involves some additional risk factors due to the sharing model.

The third model or the hybrid cloud is the riskiest one. This model uses both, the private and public cloud to provide customized and enhances services to companies worldwide.

The major threats inhibiting the growth of cloud computing:

• Immoral or disreputable use of cloud computing.
• Programming interfaces with inherent security lapses.
• Insiders wicked enough to compromise the security system for vested interests hinder the growth of cloud computing.
• Defenselessness arising from the use of shared technology.
• Security issues resulting from traffic and service hijacking also hinder the growth of cloud computing.

Steps to win trust for combating cloud computing risks

To fight the issues obstructing the growth of cloud computing, cloud service providers need to win the trust of their clients.

The following security measures can develop a certain minimal level of trust and promote growth in cloud computing:

• The use of SSL or Secure Socket Layer.
• The use of digital signatures.
• The formation of strict authentication protocols.
• The use of access control methods for dealing with authorization.

If security issues are handled with care and utmost efficiency, the fear associated with the cloud can be reduced to an extent. Clients may feel more comfortable opting for your cloud services.

Primary keyword – growth of cloud computing

LSI keywords – cloud computing, cloud computing security, security issues, growth in cloud computing, cloud computing market, cloud storage, cloud service providers, cloud computing risks, cloud platform, cloud services, security risks, security lapses.

Do Big Data and Data Analytics Outweigh Standard Human Judgment? (Rank Princess)

Do Big Data and Data Analytics Outweigh Standard Human Judgment?

Big Data or a large mass of complex, diverse, heterogeneous information; challenges traditional data processing methods. As a result, it questions the capability of human judgment to analyze a large body of data. So, do Big Data and Data Analytics outweigh standard human judgment?

Some of the applications of Big Data in daily life:

• Predictions made by Google while searching for things using the search engine. Google analyzes the accumulated data based on the previous queries on similar subjects.
• Intimations from debit/credit card companies about unsolicited activities based on findings from millions of transactions every day.
• Different companies take online surveys for gathering data about their clients. The resulting data is used to predict customer requirements.
• Data analytics based on the medical history of patients can help doctors in predicting patients’ responses’ to drugs and aid in finding possible cures to diseases.

Impossible for humans to process Big Data manually

Judgment making abilities of human beings are inadequate to deal with Big Data. Information of such an enormous size and complexity cannot be analyzed by our brains.

Helping people make better informed decisions

Human beings may be inefficient in analyzing Big Data but the outcomes of data analytics by computers can help them achieve meaningful conclusions. The development of algorithms for advanced data analytics is likely to lead to social, economic and political development.

Benefiting people through Big Data

• The Management of organizations’ could become more transparent and increase workforce efficiency.
• Data analytics will offer a greater scope for performance-related experiments.
• Categorization of a population for customized results.
• Automated algorithms for effective inferences.
• Customized services will increase profitability in business.

Some drawbacks of Big Data and data analytics

Too much dependence on Big Data can lead to false confidence leading to errors in judgment. Ruling out human judgmental powers will allow powerful people manipulate findings and satisfy their interests.

Dealing with data analytics in a positive manner

In today’s world, it is beyond doubt that we need computer-generated data analytics for processing of large information. That does not necessarily mean a complete elimination of the standard judgment skills of human beings.

Data analytics and human judgment should complement each other

The results from analytics can complement human judgment for making important decisions. This realization has inspired multiple scientists across the world to look for new methods of data analytics for quick effective results.

Need for storing large data

Effective storage and data processing of Big Data can generate wonderful results. Data processing can help determine the causes of failures. It can help identify defects. It can increase business by analyzing buying habits of customers. It can also help organizations detect fraudulent behavior.

In order to get important results and their subsequent utilization, there cannot be a rivalry between Big Data, data analytics, and standard human judgment. Making do without any kind of human judgment is currently out of the question. Ruling out standard judgment can create misleading conclusions. On the other hand, data analytics and human judgment can together reap beneficial results.

Primary keyword – Big Data

LSI keywords – data analytics, analytics, analyzing, human judgment, judgment skills, judgment making, data processing, judgment, advanced data analytics, judgmental powers, standard judgment.

THE RICHEST CASINOS IN US (Rank Princess)

THE RICHEST CASINOS IN US

The United States of America is a country where casinos generate a considerable amount of revenue. Some of the world’s richest casinos are located in the US. Casinos also encourage tourism. As a result, the richest casinos are now parts of magnificent resorts that offer diverse means of entertainment.

The following are some of the richest casinos in US:

1. The Wynn in Las Vegas

The Wynn luxury resort houses the richest casino in the US. One of the finest hotels in the world is part of this resort. The resort with AAA five diamond, Forbes five-star, Mobil five-star and Michelin five star ratings, is also a favorite shooting spot for film directors.

2. Bellagio

Bellagio is a luxury hotel and casino that draws inspiration from the Lake Como town of Bellagio in Italy. This hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, is owned by MGM Resorts International. The most spectacular feature of this hotel is its 8-acre lake between the building and the Strip with a water fountain that dances to music.

3. MGM Grand

MGM Grand is also a hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. In 1993, at the time of the opening, MGM Grand was the largest hotel resort complex in the world. Now it is the second largest in the world. The casino holds a unique place because of a monorail.

4. Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino is the second largest casino in the US with a huge 340,000 sq ft of gaming space consisting of more than 380 gaming tables and 6,300 slot machines. It is in Ledyard, Connecticut on the Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation.

5. WinStar World Casino

WinStar World Casino is the largest casino in Oklahoma and the second best in terms of gaming space in the world. WinStar provides 7,200 electronic games, 76 table games, 46 table poker room and High Limit Room.

6. Borgata

Borgata royal luxury mega-resort has the top revenue-generating casino in Atlanta City. The resort hotel is the largest in New Jersey.

7. Caesar’s Palace

Caesar’s Palace is a royal casino that offers a majestic Roman experience. This casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, plays host to a World Series of Poker Circuit Event.

8. Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino

Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino is influenced by the Brazilian culture in the city of Rio de Janeiro. This hotel casino has the largest publicly displayed wine collection. The wine cellar has a capacity of about 50,000 bottles.

9. Mandalay Bay

Mandalay Bay is a hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip that flaunts some of the best pools in Las Vegas. It also includes a topless pool.

10. Paris Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas is a hotel resort with the city of Paris as its theme. As a result, the architectural pattern of this resort includes a 541 ft replica of the Eiffel Tower and frontal portions resembling the Paris Opera House and the Louvre.

In the United States, Las Vegas is the most popular destination for gambling. The Las Vegas Valley has the most number of casinos in US. In terms of revenue, Atlanta City, New Jersey comes second. And Chicago gives the third largest turnover from its casinos.

Eat, Pray and Find love- The top 10 dating websites of 2015 (Rank Princess)

Eat, Pray and Find love- The top 10 dating websites of 2015

Dating online can be a daunting task for some individuals whereas for some it could be breaking away from the shambles of a mundane life. The Ten websites below are a much-needed respite for the casual as well as the serious dater. Let’s take a look at them.

Match.com

It is the most traditional way of meeting one’s prospective partner. The user needs to create a profile, check other users matching his preferences, send them a request, start chatting and then arrange a date to meet in person.Match.com has microsites for Asian dating, Christian dating, and Polish dating. The matchmakers of the site also conduct events for singles and provide advice on their website.

eHarmony

This website is meant for serious dating and is on the look for profiles who want to be in love and take their relationship further. Their website has a relationship questionnaire which the users go through and then the profiles are matched according to compatibility. This website is great for people who want to end in everlasting love and companionship.

Zoosk

It is one of the largest free dating online sites in the world. It has subscribers from all over the world thus giving it a very international appeal. The user can sign up, browse through profiles and message for free. There is also premium subscription which has added features. This item connects the user to people who want to grow as friends and then start casual dating. It does not promote serious dating and is meant for people to know each other and have fun at the same time.

Christian Mingle

This website looks at meaningful and long lasting relationships connected through Christian faith. This is a very impressive and one of its kind religious online dating website, and its membership is offered to like-minded people. Its strongest feature is the color coding personality test that helps the user connect to compatible partners.

Ourtime.com

Ourtime helps the user find someone special especially if the user is above 50 years and looking for companionship. There are basic and advanced searches that help the user to connect with like-minded individuals. One can interact by sending instant messages, live chats or sending flirts. It has success stories on the website for other users to help them find their partners.

Blackpeoplemeet.com

This site especially caters to black singles who want to meet their partners within the same community. It is one of the largest Black dating sites in the web world and has more than 1 million users. It has very basic features. The user can get messages only from people who they wish to connect and hear from.The users can be single, divorced, widowed or for the ones who simply want to engage in a relationship.

Seniorpeoplemeet.com

This website is designed for individuals above the age of 50 who are looking for companions, romantic affairs, travel partners and long term relationships. It has simple features and is meant for people who aren’t technologically savvy. It has straightforward questions while signing up and a lot of customization offers.

Be naughty

The signing up process is incredibly simple on this website as it helps users meet new partners, flirt with them and also enjoy in webcam chats. It is a no-nonsense dating websites which makes the user drop his inhibitions and date without any false pretentions.

Love struck

Love struck geographically connects partners and helps them find love according to location and cities around the world. It helps professionals who are busy with work and have no time to mingle socially during foreign travels. It helps the user to connect to people who live closer in the area that he is working in.

Muddy Matches

This is a unique site started by two young girls who want to connect people through ‘muddies’. What this simply means is that people who love the countryside and aren’t afraid of mud and dirt. It helps the user move out of his regular space into the country side for a relaxed and tension free date.

Does True Image make Acronis the Best Cloud Storage Vendor? (Rank Princess)

Does True Image make Acronis the Best Cloud Storage Vendor?

The advent of Cloud Storage systems has made archiving vital information a piece of cake. The threat of losing important data in natural or accidental hazards has reduced considerably.

But what is not easy is choosing between many options available for Cloud Storage. With Carbonite, IDrive, Crashplan, Acronis vying for top positions, it’s all a question of necessity.

People should realize that Cloud Storage is a different concept as opposed to Cloud Backup. Cloud Storage deals with storing data manually into folders. But Cloud Backup performs a periodic backup of your system onto the cloud without manual intervention or repetition of existing data.

Acronis is one such Cloud Storage vendor taking great strides in this domain. With its True Image Software, Acronis is competing for the top slot.

Facets of Acronis’s True Image software

Established in 2003, Acronis has multiplied its customer base to 5 million customers expanding over 500,000 businesses. True Image is their software product that allows subscribed users to smoothly backup their hard drives to the cloud and recover them as well.

True Image creates a disk image of the hard drive. This can be easily restored to a different device to precisely the same state as the previous drive. It also facilitates partition resizing and disk cloning if the new device is a different capacity.

It offers unlimited local or online cloud backup and is even available on cell phones and tablets. All these services provided at very reasonable prices.

Taking a look at the efficiency of True Image

Acronis boasts of a customer-friendly user interface where just the click of a button starts the backup. Along with ease of use, it also features incremental backup. So after completing the first backup, all the next backups capture only the data that have changed ever since.

It rules out some of the system files like pagefile.sys, hiberfil.sys to save system space. Encryption keys are available to ensure security. True Image has high backup speed, but the recovery speed is a small let down.

Troubleshooting and Customer service availability

Acronis provides some FAQs and tutorials that help the user troubleshoot and gain a complete understanding of the product.

There is no telephonic customer service available which causes a small inconvenience. But that can be overcome to some extent with the help of their email or live chat supports.

Pros of True Image software

• Unlimited cloud storage and backup provisions
• Ability to schedule a backup and specify the files to be excluded
• Total restoration performed even in the event of a complete system failure
• Secure encryption keys to protect files from unwanted authorization.
• Upon shutting down the system, it automatically resumes backup from where it left off
• Retrieve all data stored on one account from different machines anywhere anytime

Cons of True Image software

• Recovery of data is time-consuming
• No telephonic customer support
• Involves paid service for issue raised

Is True Image the best among Cloud Storage services?

Basically, it is all a question of necessity. If one is looking for cheap services to backup gargantuan data then True Image is the product for them. It is highly recommended for consumers looking for duplicating entire hard drives effortlessly.

10 Companies That Are Way Ahead Of Their Time in Copywriting Advertising (Rank Princess)

10 Companies That Are Way Ahead Of Their Time in Copywriting Advertising

There is so much written material around us that people are very selective about what they read. They are indifferent to or annoyed with the written word unless it catches their attention. Good copywriting is indeed, an art which needs to be mastered in such a scenario.

Copy, copy everywhere

Copy is everywhere; everywhere. Some companies have managed to stand out in the sea of copy with their refreshing copywriting. What makes them worth our precious time? The most liked copywriting always has some or all of these features:

• getting the essential message through in few words
• humour
• straightforwardness
• simplicity
• consistency

Here’s a list of ten companies that have been doing a great job of copywriting.

Innocent

Innocent is a drinks manufacturer. The highlight here is the, shall I say, innocence of their copy. From their site navigation options to their product descriptions, everything is refreshingly simple and straightforward.

EAT24

After you’ve read EAT24’s job description, you would’ve giggled at least thrice. That is how cool they are. Their ‘About’ page is light and straightforward. Within the first paragraph itself, they declare the most important information. One would know they’re here to handle their customers well and better the takeout service.

UrbanDaddy

UrbanDaddy has got its hands on some of the best copywriters. They maintain a funny-yet-informative style in every piece of copy they write. You will not find them beating around the bush. They arrive at the point quickly instead of dragging readers in with suspense.

They can make you pay more than two second’s attention to their emails. How, you ask? Catchy subject titles, that’s how. You are in a hurry, and you want to scroll past to that email from your lover. But then your brain registers the words, “Losing this umbrella is nearly impossible”. How can you not click?

GymIt

GymIt cleverly conveys its main idea through its catchy tag-line “get in, work out”. They want customers to be able to work out without any unwanted side features. They elaborate this in a short, straightforward paragraph – an admirable feat.

ModCloth

Copywriters at ModCloth seem to enjoy stringing together words into quirky names for their products. They are also great at whipping up engaging scenarios as product descriptions. One might just buy that skirt just to live out that imagination.

Hipchat

Hipchat is immediately likable due to the creative twist in its copywriting. They incorporate the characters of The Office and copywriting is done keeping in mind their personalities. While being entertaining, they effectively communicate what they want to say to the readers.

Dropbox

Dropbox is noticeable for its simplicity, and the copywriting is in sync with that spirit. The clean, fresh look is accompanied with a few words that do their job very well.

R/GA

It is a B2B company which aids businesses by developing products and services for them. Their twitter copy is funny enough for them to make it to this list.

Trello

Trello is an app designed to help people organize and manage projects. These can be day to day activities or something more complex. The copywriters have done a great job of keeping it simple and clear-cut.

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid travel gets points for having spot-on descriptions. They have various packages according to different kinds of travelers’ preferences. Their copy, in a few sentences, conveys the nature and perks of the package.

BEST CASINOS OUTSIDE VEGAS (Rank Princess)

BEST CASINOS OUTSIDE VEGAS

Las Vegas is undoubtedly the most famous gambling spot in the world. It is well known for its casinos. But many of the world’s best casinos are outside Las Vegas. For getting entertained and trying one’s luck people flock at one of the following casinos:

1. Mohegan Sun:

Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the United States. The casino houses slots and table games spread across 364, 000 square feet. The casino is owned by the Mohegan tribe. Apart from the casino, the arena includes a luxury hotel, spa, nightclubs, restaurants and theaters. An 18-hole golf course was added to the casino in 2007.

2. Thunder Valley Casino

Being one of the largest casinos in Northern California, Thunder Valley allows people to gamble across its 275,000-square-foot area. People can choose from its 3000 machines and 125 table games. There is also a live poker room. This casino holds the record of the largest payout in the state ($12,014,971) from a single progressive jackpot slot machine.

3. Morongo Casino

Morongo Casino is not only one of the largest casinos in California, but it’s also one of the four AAA four diamond casinos in the state. The casino covers 148,000 square feet and consists of over 2,000 games.

4. Casino at the French Lick Resort

The 3,000-acre French Lick Resort is in the Hoosier National Forest in southern Indiana. This casino has a historical significance. It consists of the historic French Lick Springs and West Baden Springs Hotels, established in the late 1800s and the early 1900s respectively.

5. Tulalip Casino

Tulalip Casino in Washington is a perfect blend of traditional Native American art and modern luxury. Apart from a full-service spa, the casino includes a twelve-storey hotel and 192,000 square feet of gaming space.

6. Casino at the Trump Taj Mahal Resort

The Trump Taj Mahal resort casino is the fourth largest gambling spot in the world. In 1990, at the time of its inception, it was the biggest casino. A gigantic gaming area of 167,000 sqft. and over 2,000 luxurious hotel rooms are two of its most attractive features.

7. Mount Airy Casino

Mount Airy Casino is another AAA Four Diamond Resort. Located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, this casino resort offers a variety of outdoor activities such as horse riding, skiing, golf and ice skating for its guests. It also has a spa and a gym.

8. Casino at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Harrah’s Lake Club was renovated in 2000 and named Harveys Lake Tahoe. The renovated hotel with 512 rooms and two floors of luxury suites justifies that the fact that the casino is one of the biggest on the south shore.

9. Sycuan Casino

At a distance of only thirty minutes from San Diego, the Sycuan Casino offers the guests both smoking and smoke-free experience.2000 video poker machines and 54-hole golf coarse show how much the guests find this casino to be irresistible.

10. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with a 190,000-square-foot casino is the fourth largest in the US and the sixth biggest in the world. The entertainment package here includes live stage performance, gaming floors, shops, and restaurants.

These casinos across the globe steal a considerable amount of attention from Sin City casinos. Each of these casinos appears as a spectacular paradise of entertainment.

Unhealthy and Irrational – Bidding Adieu to your Relationship (Rank Princess)

Unhealthy and Irrational – Bidding Adieu to your relationship

Human relationships can be pure bliss when everything seems perfect.

On the other hand, it can get complicated when you tend to question yourself.

When relationships get unhealthy, they tend to affect every aspect of your life and this rule applies to every person. Every person needs to work on their relationship as there are two different individuals involved and when the relationship gets toxic, one needs to draw the line.

So, when does one do it?

When does a person say that he has had enough and needed to move on?

Sometimes it is tough for couples to admit that they are in an unhealthy relationship. They do everything that they can to get their relationship working again.

Admitting problems, seeking help from others and acknowledging the initial signs of an unhealthy relationship are key to resolving issues and regaining peace of mind.

These signs are a reminder to any couple whose relationship is no longer working or if they need to relook at some aspects of their love life.

Let’s see what these are:

Trust

One needs to trust their partner implicitly.

If there are constant occurrences of one checking the other’s email accounts or chat messages and then blaming them, it is indeed a sign of a cracked relationship.

Insufficient quality time together

When your partner seems to be spending time with his or her buddies every weekend, there seems to be some issue cringing.

Physical and verbal abuse

Abuse of any kind affects a person physically and mentally, and this is an alarming sign to let you know that your partner is an absolute misfit for you.

Everyday fights

Every couple argues and fights, but when you see that your fights are not stopping, and happening over the smallest of things, it is a sign that your relationship is heading towards the red zone.

Lack of transparency

There are times when you don’t want to tell your partner everything.

However, it is essential to have an open relationship where you communicate the key things.

One sided affair

To create a strong foundation of a healthy relationship both partners have to build blocks by mutually supporting and trusting each other.

A relationship is bound to go kaput if there’s only one partner putting in all the effort.

Lack of respect

Both partners need to respect each other for who they are and when this goes missing, it means that either the partner does not value you or doesn’t support the beliefs that you have.

One cannot just live in love if there is mutual respect missing.

Lack of physical intimacy

Physical intimacy combined with emotional love is very important for a healthy relation. The absence of any of this shows that the relationship is futile and lifeless.

Trying to fix your personality

There are couples who want to change each other’s behavior, style, personality, etc. And by doing this, they are looking for ways to fix their partner. This shows that the rela tionship is void of respect for each other.

The Importance of a Gluten-free diet in your daily life (Rank Princess)

The Importance of a Gluten-free diet in your daily life

A Gluten free diet has grown to become a popular trend in today’s’ living and is considered as a healthy eating pattern by people all over the world.

It has gained a remarkable following in the last decade especially by people who have been diagnosed with Celiac disease that causes difficulty in digesting food.

The Truth about a Gluten free diet

Gluten free products are slowly making way into the market and consumers who aren’t diagnosed with Celiac disease are also buying these products.

Many consumers believe that a gluten free diet is better and a healthier option in today’s fast-paced lives.

So, what exactly is the Celiac disease and why being gluten free is considered a means to keep this disease in control?

Celiac does not have any major symptoms, and the only way to detect is through blood tests.

Why should you go gluten-free?

A Gluten free diet is advised for people who have the celiac disease, and they need to avoid foods containing gluten.

This fad has somehow caught on to the non-sufferers of this disease who consider it as a healthy option and a way to lose weight.

Foods such as wheat bran, barley, rye, flour, and oats need to be avoided in this diet whereas soy, potato, tapioca, beans and qui noa are considered gluten free and hence encouraged.

These foods are healthy, and many Celiac-free people have felt better by following this diet as well.

Many people aren’t aware that these foods can be pretty high in calories, fats and, carbohydrates, and the myth of weight loss may not necessarily be true for this diet.

Is the Gluten free diet a healthy option?

It is indeed a healthy option for people suffering from the celiac disease or for people who are gluten sensitive.

Quinoa, millet, and amaranth are healthy, tasty options and smart choices for everyone.

Gluten free flours too are made from these grains and are healthier options as compared to white flour or bleached flour.

For a person who isn’t suffering from this disease going completely, gluten free could mean the possibility of eliminating essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals required in their daily diet.

It may not necessarily lead to weight loss by consuming gluten free foods.

Tips to incorporate a Gluten free diet

These few tips can go a long way for people who want to be in good health and live a gluten-free life:

• One has to start reading labels on food products.
• Start incorporating gluten-free alternatives such as fresh fruit s, leafy vegetables, poultry, fish and eggs which can be easily eaten with most meals.
• Gluten free grains too are popular and can be included in one’s main meals. These grains include quinoa, millet, and amaranth which are essential for a healthy life.
• For people who love their spirits; wine, cider, sherry is a better option as compared to beer, lager and stout which contain a significant amount of gluten.

A Gluten free menu is a good option for everyday meals as well as for maintaining one’s health.

Improving Marketing with Conjunction of Big Data and Thick Data (Rank Princess)

Improving Marketing with Conjunction of Big Data and Thick Data

In the last ten years, the world witnessed an increasing shift towards online business. As online retailers offered lucrative opportunities, consumers began to prefer the convenience of digital purchasing.

Sharp incline in digitization let to a huge influx of customers. This led to a stiff competition between various merchants. Numerous marketing strategies came into force to lure people towards their brand. And with this came the need to manage and utilize Big Data.

What exactly is Big Data and how important it is in the world of digitized marketing?

Big Data is any huge set of data which is beyond the capability of the usual databases used for sorting and relating data. For the past five years, Big Data has been the Big word. It’s been sought after like a pack of wolves. From small businesses to large, everyone wants to gain advantages by compiling, sorting and analyzing huge data.

Data analytic tools are used to find correlations and patterns between vast data extending up to zettabytes, which is not humanly possible. Different data mining and predictive analysis tools, optimization and mathematical algorithms are deployed to get the relevant details. These are then used to derive important trends and make ground-breaking decisions.

Where and how does Thick Data come into the picture?

What lacks in Big Data is that is it too technical. Since trade is solely client-centric, it becomes imperative to understand their needs and expectations. No amount of mathematical curves or principles can precisely predict the unpredictable human behavior.

This is where Thick Data comes into the picture. Thick data essentially bridges the gaps in Big Data. Where Big Data is quantitative, Thick Data is qualitative. It aims at understanding the emotional quotient of the consumers. Thus probing at the dynamic human behaviors and draws conclusions over what and when customers are most likely to make their purchases.

Amalgamation of Thick Data into Big Data

Thick Data takes quantitative data from Big Data and incorporates it into the evolving human approach. This helps organizations develop customer-centric methods and build positive relations with them.

A short example would be the decline in sales of Lego Toys which led them to conclude that kids were not interested in building toys anymore. A further human-level assessment, in the form of spending time with kids playing Lego, proved that there are some who enjoy building Lego blocks while some don’t. They are all different with separate needs.

Marketing with the union of Big Data and Thick Data

There are some methods employed to tackle the merger of Thick Data into Big Data :

• Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) – By exploring the compiled data specific undiscovered features are detected.

• Confirmatory Data Analysis (CDA) – This confirms the existing stats to be true or false based on human actions.

• Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) – Qualitative Analysis deals with non-numeric data like pictures, videos or words to extract experiences of the customers.

There is no doubt that Big Data is the next Big thing in the world of marketing, but it is not complete. Graphs and Excel tables cannot provide human empathy. And Thick Data provides this missing human connection making it complete.

Month: August 2016