The real data revolution hasn’t happened yet

The Gartner Hype Cycle is a valuable framework for understanding where an emerging technology stands on its journey into the mainstream.

It helps chart public perception, from the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” through the “Trough of Disillusionment,” and eventually up the “Slope of Enlightenment” toward the “Plateau of Productivity.”

In 2015, Gartner removed big data from the Hype Cycle. Analyst Betsy Burton explained that it was no longer considered an “emerging technology” and “has become prevalent in our lives.”

She’s right. In hindsight, it’s remarkable how quickly enterprises recognized the value of their data and learned to use it for their business advantage. Big data moved from novelty to necessity at an impressive pace.

Yet in some ways, I disagree with Gartner. Adoption has