The industry that is forming as a result of the explosion of data (which extends far beyond social networks) has also been given an unofficial name: 'Big Data' (see also this report by McKinsey). Data is a new, extremely valuable raw material, which is used to improve existing products or to create completely new products.
Marc Andreessen (investor in Facebook, Skype, Twitter, LinkedIn and Groupon, among others) writes: “Software is eating the world”, an idea that is further elaborated in this report by O'Reilly. More and more physical products are turning into 'data products' or at least acquiring a significant data component. The developments in the automotive industry are one of the most striking examples of this, with the self-driving Google Car as the 'poster boy' (see also this article in Wired and this article in The Atlantic).
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By constantly collecting and processing data at lightning speed, the Google Car australia phone number list can drive itself. Furthermore, data would make it possible to develop a very efficient leasing system, where everyone no longer has their 'own' car in front of their door, but has a car available when you actually need it. The physical product 'car' almost becomes a 'service', which does not run on fossil fuels, but also on data.
The industry that builds on the data infrastructure is less visible than Facebook's and Groupon's at the moment, because they are not (yet) really focused on consumers. That does not mean that there is not a lot happening in that area. In terms of 'fundamental technology' it is therefore very interesting.
Sensors and 'The Internet of Things'
This software infrastructure, as mentioned, builds not only on data production from social networks, but also on a second fundamental, physical infrastructure, which is currently being constructed using an infinite number of sensors in mobile phones, cars, household appliances, roads, dikes, etc., all connected to the Internet: The Internet of Things .
It is the social networks and the sensors that provide an endless stream of data, which can be converted into valuable products and services by smart software, good visualizations and user interfaces. That is the new infrastructure that is now being built – physically and digitally – on which new companies build. As long as enough is invested in this legacy, the new wave of investments can also be of great value. Even if it all turns out to be a big bubble.