BIG data

Big data is data that is too large to manage and manipulate with an ordinary spreadsheet or database. 

This is an excellent article that explains the value of data.  We can't extract this kind of valuable information from an Excel spreadsheet or a word document.  If you’re still gathering data from the field with fax machines, curriers or FedEx it is time to change your processes.  Smarter means of estimating and scheduling are rapidly approaching.

http://blog.nodeable.com/2012/02/21/mckinsey-misses-the-market-on-big-data/