According to EMC (a cloud computer, big data and IT service provider) the world’s store of digital information is doubling every two years. In 2011 the world created a staggering 1.8 zettabytes (that’s 1.8×1021) of data. By 2020 the world may generate 50 times the amount of existing information and 75 times the number of “information containers” while IT staff to manage it will grow less than 1.5 times. (http://www.emc.com/leadership/programs/digital-universe.htm).
 
Extracting information, knowledge and value from seemingly endless volumes of information is becoming the next ‘big challenge’ if order out of chaos is to be achieved.