To begin with, what exactly is BDaaS? The exact definition still varies quite a bit. Even Wikipedia At the time of writing, it has no definition. We consider it an online service that allows the customer to collect and analyse data to gather valuable information. Essentially a type of utility. In this blog, we have weighed up a number of pros and cons.

#1 Insights with BDaaS

Top of the list: #1; insights! This applies to both BDaaS and on-premises solutions. Through (big) data analysis, new insights and a competitive advantage can be gained.

#2 Cost savings with BDaaS

When you start with BDaaS, you don't need to invest in your own environment. You also need less expertise to start with Big Data analysis. This applies to both the technical infrastructure and the software environment.

#3 Making use of existing knowledge about BDaaS

The solution provider (as it should be) shares acquired knowledge. This allows for faster results when connecting and analysing data sources. Often, more documentation is available and certain aspects are standardised.

#4 Limited technical knowledge required with BDaaS

Obviously, this depends on the solution, but in general, the providers take on a large part of the work. This includes updates, installation, security, etc. This is more useful than you might perhaps estimate, especially since employees with ‘expertise’ are difficult to find.

#5 Getting started quickly with BDaaS

Because it's an existing, already present solution, data can be connected and analysed quickly. The entire design and installation process can largely be skipped. The solutions are often ‘plug & play’.

#1 Security

The data primarily travels over the internet to the provider. This means that work will preferably need to be carried out using secure VPN connections. It is usually not desirable for third parties to be able to ‘spy’ on what is being sent over the line.

#2 Capacity of the (internet) connection

Because the data is transmitted via the internet, this can cause issues with quantity and speed. Initially, data can be brought to the provider via media, but structurally, the speed of the internet will determine whether the solution works well.

#3 Changing your provider

Because the data is in the cloud, it will be more difficult to make a copy. Especially when dealing with hundreds of terabytes. If you want to switch providers, you will need to think carefully about a migration path. How do you get the data from one provider to another, and what are the actual agreements about this with your current provider?

#4 Legal consequences

When data is put into the cloud, it's not always clear where the data is located or in which country. This can have consequences. Who is allowed to view the data, and under which legislation does the data fall?

#5 Limited solution

Many BDaaS solutions are off-the-shelf solutions. In other words: suitable for a specific purpose. The moment you then want to link more data sources, this is not possible and you will need another solution.