The New “ABC” of ICTs (Analytics + Big Data + Cloud Computing)

Abstract

Analytics (discover and communication of patterns, with significance, in data) of Big Data (basically characterized by large structured and unstructured data volumes, from a variety of sources, at high velocity - i.e., real-time data capture, storage, and analysis), through the use of Cloud Computing (a model of network computing) is becoming the new “ABC” of information and communication technologies (ICTs), with important effects for the generation of new firms and for the restructuring of those ones already established. However, as this chapter argues, successful application of these new ABC technologies and tools depends on two interrelated policy aspects: 1) the use of a proper model which could help one to approach the structure and dynamics of the firm, and, 2) how the complex trade-off between information technology (IT) and communication technology (CT) costs is handled within, between and beyond firms, organizations and institutions.