What is dark data?

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 Dark data or dusty data is similar to big data. It is the unstructured digital information or computerized data (for example log files etc.) that is not being used. It can be acquired through various sources but it becomes useless. During its operation, a company may gather various types of data but if it is not used immediately, it loses its relevance. For example, a company may collect data regarding shopping habits of the particular group of customers but if this information is not in correct form or if it is not used in time, it may lose its relevance. Sometimes data becomes dirty or outdated. So, it becomes relevant for the company to leave such data.

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Organizations collect too much data many a times. Sometimes it becomes beyond their capacities to process so much data. Some may think they may use this data in near future. It takes a lot of storage capacity and power consumption to keep such irrelevant data which amounts to wasteful expenditure for the organization. With the passing of time, this data keeps piling up which make it more difficult to use. Some types of data may contain sensitive information. So, keeping dark data may be harmful for the organizations. But, companies believe they may get benefit in future when computing power of computers will increase extensively and they would have sophisticated software to analyze data. So, they think that they would be able to use that data for generating more revenue. That’s why dark data is increasing day by day.