The term "big data" is getting tossed around a lot these days, but despite the confusion of what it really means, it describes some real, critical issues and isn't just the usual vendor hype.

Depending on one's perspective, "big data" can mean extra large files--like video, geographic or genomic research, or healthcare images--and it may refer to countless smaller bits of data that when made identifiable and accessible may offer a treasure trove of corporate IP.

Very different problems, for sure, but both are real issues that most organizations will have to grapple before their file storage resources are overwhelmed.

In this Storage Decisions University classroom, we dissect the “big” issues surrounding “big data” and offer technical solutions to address these challenges.