Big data is everywhere. It drives decisions in business, shapes scientific discoveries, and influences everything from our shopping habits to our healthcare. But where did this phenomenon come from? Understanding the origins of big data analysis requires a journey through technological advancements, evolving business needs, and a growing awareness of the potential hidden within vast datasets. This article dives deep into the history of big data, exploring the key milestones that led to its prominence today. We'll explore how data collection, storage, and processing evolved to give rise to the world of big data we know now.

The Precursors to Big Data: Early Data Collection and Analysis

Long before the term