Editorial

Abstract

The modern-day phenomenon of Big Data (i.e. the high-speed generation and storage of a great quantity of structured, semi-structured and/or non-structured data sets) is being intensified by the ever more widespread use of social networks and the proliferation of e-commerce, which require sophisticated management of large volumes of information. Big Data thus has different sources. In addition to the internet and, in particular, social networks, there are sources of a different kind from the public and private sectors (businesses and public sector bodies alike compile information on their customers, users, suppliers, operations, etc.). Other contributing factors include mobile devices' omnipresence, GPS and satellite use, the consumption of audio and video material, and the interconnection of computers.