The article's described origin of Big Data ignores the original big data problem: Insurance, specifically actuarial tables. The origins of big data are actually

The article's described origin of Big Data ignores the original big data problem: Insurance, specifically actuarial tables. The origins of big data are actually far older than 1990, going back to the first mass computing systems in the old days which were literally aisles of women working in offices computing actuarial tables[0]. One could even go further back to the 16th century (and earlier if you're really adventurous) where the ideas of life statistics applying to groups (but not individuals) was first explained. In short, 1990 is sort of an arbitrary date and does not accurately reflect the origin of Big Data. We have wanted to record the sum total of humanity for as long as we have had the ability to record things; it's simply becoming more reasonable to attempt today. [0]http://www.officemuseum.com/1907_Actuarial_Division_Metropolitan_Life_Insurance_Co_NYC.jpg http://www.officemuseum.com/1907_Actuarial_Division_Metropol...