Big Data Storage and its Future

The age of big data has emerged. These data are generated from online transactions, emails, posts, videos, search queries, etc. People also produce data by using the Internet of Things (IoT) applications and devices. Storing these massive quantities of data has become one of the most important and critical issues for big companies like Google, LinkedIn, Yahoo, and for the digital society in general. Traditional data storage methods such as Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMSs) are coming under increase pressure due to their capability limitations. However, many of new technical solutions have proved their efficiency in storing big data for large companies; some examples of these solutions include NetApp, Hadoop, SAN, the cloud, data centres, etc. The storage, accessibility, and security of big data issues are not only a computer science concern; it has become a topic of interest in many fields such as healthcare, E-commerce, and business in general. This project is investigating the data storage methods and future requirements for one of the largest oil companies in the world, Saudi SA Oil Company. A survey was carried out to understand current storage problems, and collect requirements to implement effective storage methodologies that overcome most of SA's storage difficulties.