The document discusses big data, its history, technologies, and uses. It begins with an introduction to big data and defines it using the 3Vs/4Vs model, describing the volume, velocity, variety and increasingly veracity of data. It then discusses big data technologies like Hadoop, databases, reporting, dashboards and real-time analytics. Examples are given of how big data is used, such as understanding customers, optimizing business processes, improving health outcomes, and improving security and law enforcement. Requirements for big data analytics are also mentioned, including data management, analytics applications, and business interpretation.