Unstructured Data to Fetch Meaningful Insights with Pentaho

Pentaho BI

Though, the article will revolve around digging the unstructured data to get valuable insights, but we will start from the beginning. We will understand what is big data, what is unstructured data, what do we actually mean by unstructured data and how are the companies using Pentaho Reporting to analyze, visualize and present the big data. Additionally, we would like to focus on the advantages of Pentaho.

What do we understand by big data?

Big Data Analysis is the processing or study of a massive volume of the big data. The data is not the generic type of data, but, it includes statistics, visuals and even strings, and a lot of other elements. Big data is not only massive in terms of the volume, but it is pretty diverse as well, therefore, the variety of the data is quite impressive. At the same time, the velocity of big data is something that needs special attention too. However, now, the data can be both structured and unstructured. We will clearly describe what we mean by structured and unstructured data in this article. Also, we will try and understand how Pentaho Reporting helps to get maximum benefits from the unstructured data.

Let’s explore the unstructured data

Big data is generally segmented into two major categories: structured and unstructured data. If we would want to intelligently dig the data, then it is quite important to understand the key differences between structured and unstructured data. Specially, when most of the data is collected and generated digitally, thus, understanding the real meaning of unstructured data is vital.

Unstructured data is also known as qualitative data. It generally contains everything that is not included in the category of structured data. Though, the unstructured data does not really fit in any of the predefined models. However, at the end of the day, it is managed in the non-relational databases. Therefore, unstructured data is mostly queried with the help of NoSQL. Unstructured data is mostly more diverse, also, as the use of internet is growing, therefore, the quantity of the unstructured big data will keep increasing. And, it is believed that probably by the year 2025, 80% of the total big data will be unstructured.

A few of the common examples of unstructured data include emails, videos, graphics, audio, social media data, text files and a plenty of other things. Though, the analysis of unstructured data can be a bit complex, but Pentaho makes both the analysis and reporting of the data simple.

Pentaho makes it easy to analyze the unstructured data

At times, businesses may find it a little tough to unbox the hidden secrets in the unstructured data. This is exactly where the role of Pentaho BI comes into the picture. Pentaho makes it easy for the data scientists to understand the insights generated from the data, therefore, the preparation of reports becomes a piece of cake. Basically, the mining of the data in less time consuming because of Pentaho. Additionally, Pentaho is known mostly for the speed of real time data processing.

Importance of digging the unstructured data

Big data analytics is all about examining the granular, unstructured data. The main aim of the examination is to get the hidden information, details or patterns. The outcomes of the analysis contain information related to the target audience, customers’ likes and dislikes, the unidentified correlations, latest market trends, the real meaning of the social media comments etc.

After digging the unstructured data, the businesses and the data scientists will be able to uncover the most interesting trends from the data. The insights will help the businesses to formulate new strategies for the businesses to grow. Basically, every business wants to make more and more profit, therefore, the data collected and examined is also used to generate newer revenue streams or boost the existing revenue streams. The unstructured data has to be further segmented and then the data analytics has to be performed. In order to make the most of the unstructured data, you would have to first identify why you want to actually analyze the data. What you are looking for and how would you use the outcomes of the data analysis’ results. Only when you know what you want to achieve, you would be able to take the steps in the right direction.

Why should we use Pentaho Reporting?

Pentaho is used to get meaningful business intelligence insights to help the businesses move in the right direction. Basically, the traditional data analysis solutions aren’t capable enough to assess a massive quantity of big data. Therefore, the world is in need of the high-end solutions like Pentaho BI to not only dig deep into the unstructured data. But, to get valuable information even from the unstructured data. Thus, Pentaho is known worldwide for its data management, analysis and reporting capabilities.

Basically, Pentaho BI helps you to get the granular or the Nano-level information from the data. For example, say you are looking at a fabulous painting created by Picasso. Now, what you see here is either the tiny details or the pixels of the painting or would you straightway focus on the complete painting. Basically, you would see what the painter wants you to see. This is exactly what the role of Pentaho reporting is. The reports generated by Pentaho allow the data scientists to present the data in a way that the business leaders or the customers would like to see it.

Pentaho BI is used extensively across the world in order to analyze the data and derive valuable benefits from the data. Pentaho is a fantastic tool to even examine the unstructured data. Therefore, if you find the processing and reporting of the unstructured data tough, then you may want to consider adopting Pentaho BI. But, at the end of the day, what matters the most is the big data analysis strategy that you want to work on. When you know the purpose of your big data analysis strategy, then only you would be able derive maximum benefits from the data.

Johnny Morgan Technical writer with a keen interest in new technology and innovation areas. He focuses on web architecture, web technologies, Java/J2EE, open source, WebRTC, big data and CRM. He is also associated with Aegis Infoways which offers Pentaho BI Report Designers.