/ The future of dark data management

The future of dark data management

On the one hand, businesses have more data at their disposal than ever before. But on the other hand, managing all that data has become a daunting task.

The volume and variety of data are exploding, and much of it is unused or “dark.” So what’s the future of dark data management? Experts say that companies will need to find new ways to use all this data to stay competitive.

This could involve extensive data analysis, machine learning, and other innovative methods. This article will explore the future of dark data management and what companies can do to make use of this valuable resource.

 

Defining dark data

First, a definition is in order.

When it comes to dark data, there are many misconceptions. For example, some people think that dark data is simply unstructured data. But this isn’t necessarily the case.

Dark data can be structured or unstructured. It can be of any type, including text, images, audio, video, and sensor data. The only requirement is that it’s not being used by the company.

This is in contrast to data that’s being actively used by the company.

There are a number of reasons why companies have dark data. In some cases, it’s simply because the company doesn’t have the resources to make use of it. In other cases, it may be because the data is too difficult to analyze or doesn’t fit with the company’s decision-making process.

Whatever the reason, dark data is a growing problem for businesses. It’s estimated that up to 80% of all data falls into this category.

 

The challenges of managing dark data

As the volume of dark data continues to grow, so do the challenges of managing it.

One of the biggest challenges is simply storing all this data. It’s estimated that the average company doubles the amount of data it stores every 18 months.

But storing data is just the beginning. The real challenge is making use of it in a way that benefits the company.

This is where big data analytics comes in. Big data analytics is the process of analyzing large volumes of data to find hidden patterns and trends.

 

How big analytics and dark data management are connected

Big data analytics can be used to make better decisions, improve operations, and find new opportunities. But it’s not always easy.

Big data analytics requires significant resources, including powerful computers and skilled personnel. It can also be difficult to identify which data is important and how to use all the data effectively.

This is where dark data management can come into play. Dark data management is the process of identifying, categorizing, and eventually using dark data to influence business decisions.

 

What does the future hold for dark data management?

The future of dark data management is likely complex. As the volume of data continues to grow, so will the challenge of managing it.

There are two primary elements at play in the future of dark data management:

1. Technology

2. Human expertise

Advancing technology with dark data: Opportunities and challenges

Technological advances will play a major role in the future of dark data management.

On the one hand, new and improved storage solutions will make it easier to store large volumes of data. This includes everything from traditional storage systems to newer cloud and object storage technologies.

On the other hand, new analytical tools and techniques will make extracting value from dark data easier. This includes everything from big data analytics to machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The challenge will be integrating these new technologies into existing systems and processes. For example, many companies are still using traditional data warehouses to store their data. While these systems can be updated to take advantage of new storage solutions, it’s not always easy or cost-effective.

The same is true for analytical tools. While enterprises can use big data analytics and machine learning to extract value from dark data, they’re not always easy to implement.

The future of dark data management depends on human expertise

The future of dark data management will largely depend on the ability of humans to effectively use new technologies. This includes everything from storage and analytics to machine learning and artificial intelligence.

The challenge is that these technologies are constantly changing. As new technologies emerge, old ones become obsolete. This requires businesses to continually adapt their systems and processes.

It also requires businesses to invest in training and development. Employees need to be able to understand and use new technologies effectively. If companies aren’t taking these steps, they’re likely to fall behind.

The risks of dark data in a data-first world

Dark data can be a valuable asset for businesses. But it also comes with risks.

The biggest risk is that dark data can violate data privacy regulations. This includes everything from the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States.

Data privacy regulations are designed to protect consumers’ personal information. But they can also have a major impact on businesses that store dark data. For companies to comply with these regulations, they need to have a clear understanding of what data they have.

This can be a challenge for businesses that don’t have a good handle on their dark data. They may not know what data they have or where it came from. As a result, they could be in violation of data privacy regulations without even realizing it.

This is why it’s so important for businesses to invest in dark data management. By understanding their dark data, they can avoid these risks and comply with data privacy regulations.

Another risk is that dark data can be used for malicious purposes. This includes everything from identity theft to fraud.

This is why businesses need to be careful about who they share their dark data with. They should only share it with people and organizations that they trust. Investing in a powerful and secure business intelligence (BI) platform can help businesses keep their dark data safe from malicious actors.

 

Tips to use dark data effectively in the days ahead

Knowing how to use dark data can give your business a competitive advantage. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Understand what dark data is and how it’s generated

The first step is to understand what dark data is and how it’s generated. This will help you determine whether or not it’s valuable to your business.

2. Invest in the right tools and technologies

The next step is to invest in the right tools and technologies. This includes everything from big data analytics to machine learning. Consider a business intelligence tool to help with your dark data management.

3. Train your employees and stakeholders

The third step is to train everyone who will be working with dark data. This includes employees, stakeholders, and partners.

4. Develop a clear understanding of data privacy regulations

The fourth step is to develop a clear understanding of data privacy regulations. This will help you avoid any potential problems.

5. Only share your dark data with people you trust

The fifth and final step is to share your dark data with people and organizations that you trust. This will help you keep it safe from malicious actors.

By following these tips, you can use dark data to your advantage. In the process, you’ll be able to stay ahead of your competitors.

 

The bottom line

Dark data is a valuable asset for businesses. But it also comes with risks. This is why businesses need to invest in dark data management. They can avoid these risks and use them effectively by understanding their dark data.

Check out some related resources:

POV: Next-Generation Banking

Domo Named a Leader in Nucleus Research’s 2023 Analytics Technology Value Matrix

Domo for Marketers: Tips and tools to seamlessly manage marketing data

Try Domo for yourself. Completely free.

Domo transforms the way these companies manage business.