E-Handbook: Big data streaming platforms empower real-time analytics Article 1 of 4

Businesses benefit from data streaming in surprising ways

More and more companies have adopted big data streaming platforms to get real-time analysis of their data. While most analytics have focused on historical data to inform future decisions, event streaming can provide a current snapshot that businesses can act on immediately. Actionable insights in the moment are increasingly important for enterprises across the board.

Big data streaming platforms can benefit many industries that need these insights to quickly pivot their efforts. Streaming is popular for industries like digital marketing, finance and healthcare, where speedy insights are imperative for business development, loss prevention and customer experience. Digital marketers can use streaming analytics to adjust current campaigns; many finance organizations rely on streaming data to detect fraud; and patient care can be improved by applying real-time analysis to troubling health symptoms.

Businesses can also use data streaming in the office. With no end in sight for the COVID-19 pandemic and many employees desiring a return to the office, big data streaming platforms can use sensor data to ensure that safety standards and protocols for social distancing are met.

PwC recently released an automatic contact tracing app that uses self-reported health check-ins and location data to ensure employee safety. The app allows HR to monitor office capacity and alert employees to possible exposure in real time.

The floods of data pouring into enterprises can often benefit greatly from big data streaming platforms that enable analytics on the fly. This handbook examines the architectures, technologies and applications that provide a foundation for data streaming adoption. We'll look at how enterprises are using real-time streaming, what makes a strong architecture and what use cases are a best fit.