As Big Data expands, it affects companies in a range of industries and sizes. Despite the mindset that large organizations are the only ones who can benefit from Big Data, a recent Tech Pro Research survey revealed that smaller businesses are also benefiting from implementation.

The survey pulled in 144 respondents worldwide to discuss budgeting for Big Data, benefits and employee staffing. The resulting report, Big Data Trends: Costs, Payoffs, Outcomes, Staffing, also gives insight into reasons why some companies have rejected Big Data.

As seen in the chart below, 46 percent of survey respondents reported either having already implemented Big Data, are in the midst of implementation, or are planning to implement. The growth potential for Big Data is evident in the fact that 26 percent of those are planning to implement, showing the current youthful stage of the trend and the potential for further momentum.

Of those who have implemented Big Data, as seen in the next chart, 82 percent said that they’ve seen at least some payoff with goals achieved. Only 4 percent said that they’ve experienced no identifiable value from Big Data. Some of the areas that have paid off for organizations are in business analytics, data management, speeding up decision-making capabilities and forecasting future trends.

If you’re looking for a growing field in which to work, it’s
interesting to note that respondents say their organizations are adding
positions for Big Data analysts, scientists and technicians. Among those
who have either implemented Big Data or plan to do so, 53 percent say
they intend to hire additional employees in this field. However, 46
percent report difficulties finding qualified candidates for Big Data
jobs.

There are also cautionary notes for those about to implement
Big Data: survey respondents shared their thoughts on the areas that
need improvement, and where costs were higher than expected.

In
short, Big Data is not a hyped-up concept that’s likely to prove
short-lived, consuming resources without delivering results. Rather, it’s
a burgeoning industry that’s well on its way to becoming solidly
established across organizations of all kinds.

Download the full report, Big Data Trends: Costs, Payoffs, Outcomes, Staffing, to find out more about the future of Big Data.