The history of Big Data is a collection of significant milestones that have shaped its evolution and its impact on society and technology to this day. Here is a look at some of the key moments in the history of Big Data::
Databases (1960s)
The concept of Big Data can be traced back to the 1960s, when the first digital data storage systems (Databases) began to be used. During this period, organizations started storing what were considered large amounts of data in computer systems. However, their processing capacity was limited, and the speed of data access was relatively slow compared to current standards.
Internet (1990s)
With the advent of the Internet in the 1990s, there was an explosion in the amount of data generated and stored online. The exponential growth of the web, coupled with increased connectivity and the emergence of new storage technologies, laid the foundation for the era of Big Data.
Its Emergence (2000s)
In the early 2000s, the term "Big Data" began to gain popularity to describe the emerging phenomenon of managing and analyzing large volumes of data. Companies started to realize the potential of leveraging these vast datasets to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and more. By the mid-2000s, with the proliferation of mobile devices, social networks, and online tracking technologies, the amount of digital data generated by people, IoT (Internet of Things), and machines reached unprecedented levels. This includes not only structured data, such as financial transactions and customer records, but also unstructured data, such as emails, social media posts, audio, and video.
Advances in Technology and Data Analysis (2010s)
The 2010s marked a period of significant advancements in storage, processing, and data analysis technologies. Cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies enabled organizations to manage and analyze large volumes of data more efficiently and cost-effectively, allowing them to find or create competitive advantages over their rivals.
Big Data in the Digital Era (Present)
Today, Big Data has become a strategic asset for businesses, governments, and organizations worldwide. From personalizing customer experiences to optimizing operations, the accelerated growth of artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making is driving innovation and transforming the way we live and work. As we move into the future, Big Data will continue to play a crucial role in creating value and driving progress in our digital society, creating new job opportunities and knowledge needs.
What is Big Data today?
In the digital era, the amount of information we generate is astonishing. Every click, every "like" on social media, every online purchase, every device we use in our daily lives, all leave a digital footprint. This vast ocean of data is what we know as Big Data, and its impact on society and businesses is profound and transformative. However, to fully harness its potential, it is essential to understand the "7 Vs of Big Data".
Volume:
Let's start with Volume. This dimension refers to the incredible amount of data that is constantly being generated. From emails to multimedia files, Big Data challenges us with its massive volume, requiring robust and scalable storage and processing solutions, known today as Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.).


Speed:
Speed is another vital aspect. This refers to the rate at which data is generated and updated in real-time. This means that we must be able to capture, process, and analyze information quickly to extract valuable insights and make informed decisions.
Variety:
Variety refers to the diversity of data sources and formats. From unstructured text to sensory data, encompassing all audiovisual data, Big Data comes in a wide variety of forms and sizes. Managing this diversity is crucial to fully understand the information we have at our disposal.


Veracity:
Veracity is essential to ensure the reliability and accuracy of data. We must ensure that the data we are using is precise and free from biases to avoid erroneous conclusions and incorrect decisions.
Value:
The value of Big Data lies in its ability to generate meaningful and actionable insights that drive decision-making and innovation. This requires not only collecting data but also transforming it into valuable information to generate knowledge that can be used to gain competitive advantages.


Variability:
Today, data can be volatile and subject to change in its nature. Variability refers to the ability to adapt to these changes and ensure that our systems and processes are flexible enough to handle constantly evolving data.
Visualization:
Last but not least, visualization is key to effectively communicating insights derived from Big Data. Graphics, tables, storytelling, UX (user experience), and interactive visualizations help transform complex data into understandable and accessible information for everyone, allowing people to quickly and better understand their business needs and make informed and timely decisions.

Conclusions
Big Data is more than a trend; it is a revolution that is transforming the way we live, work, and relate. By understanding the 7 Vs of Big Data, we can harness its power to drive innovation, improve decision-making, and address some of the most pressing challenges in our society. In a world where data is the new most valuable asset, the 7 Vs guide us towards a future where knowledge is truly power. As technologies continue to advance, Big Data will continue to grow and improve; perhaps today we do not have enough technologies to even think about problems that we still do not know about.
History of Big Data