Big data is large and complex datasets that are beyond the abilities of traditional software tools to handle due to the volume, variety, velocity, and value of the data. Big data solutions are useful for analyzing both structured and unstructured data from many sources to gain insights not possible from samples. Technologies like distributed file systems and tools from IBM and Oracle enable analyzing all available data for applications in finance, telecom, retail, and law enforcement to detect fraud, manage risk, improve marketing, and more.