Leveraging the Value of Big Data in the Cloud

Session Date & Time: Day 2, March 24, 11:15am EST (8:15 am PST) (45 minutes)
Keywords: Big Data in Cloud.
Authors: Dr. Reichental, PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Abstract: The volume of data being created and made accessible via the cloud by individuals and enterprises is rising exponentially. Whether by intent, or as an unintended consequence of our activities, our digital world is generating a data footprint unprecedented in magnitude. We call this emerging phenomenon big data. While big data presents a number of challenges related to such areas as data management and privacy, it clearly introduces a whole new set of opportunities for individuals and organizations. Massive stores of data, and here's the key: openly accessible, enables completely new innovation. Harvesting this data can result in formerly unanswerable questions to get answered; it may enable completely new questions to be asked; and re-purposing the data can create completely new value.

Big data is quickly becoming a boon for decision-makers in any capacity. Provide open-access to your data to your staff or the marketplace, and they may present it back to you in ways that boost your business or build new opportunities. Governments all over the world are making available their massive data warehouses in standard formats via the cloud that are empowering citizens to build new applications and apply new solutions to everything from crime fighting to resource allocation. This presentation is a primer into this emerging and valuable space. It will cover a thorough explanation of big data, why it matters, where it is headed, and the opportunity for organizations. While it will focus on the positives of big data, it will touch on some of the implicit risks and challenges.

Bio:
Dr. Reichental has 20 years of experience in the field of information technology (IT). In addition to leadership in a variety of back-office technology roles, he has consulted with many Fortune 500 companies on diverse technology and business subjects.

Dr. Reichental has been with PricewaterhouseCoopers for the past 14 years and has the responsibility for focusing on, understanding, and communicating the impact of business-aligned innovative and emerging technologies and processes. His areas of specialization include social computing/media, mobile computing, cloud computing, informatics and big data, IT strategy, open source, macro business and societal trends and the assessment of the impact of emerging technologies on existing business models. He applies this knowledge both internally at the firm as well as in the broader marketplace for clients and industry organizations.

He is also a highly sought-after public speaker and has presented often on a range of subjects. He has addressed audiences that include Harvard Business School, MIT, Information Management Forum, Conference Board Council of CIO Executives, and the Product Development Management Association (PDMA). He is interviewed often and has been featured in publications that include CIO magazine, Computerworld, and InformationWeek. His TV appearances include a recent segment on the international business news channel, CNBC.