This document discusses big data analytics. It defines big data as large, complex datasets that come from a variety of sources and are analyzed to reveal insights. It explains that big data is characterized by its volume, variety, velocity, variability, and complexity. The document outlines different types of data (structured, unstructured, semi-structured) and sources of data (internal, external). It also contrasts traditional data analytics with big data analytics and describes various analysis types including basic, advanced, and operationalized analytics. Finally, it provides an overview of common big data approaches like Hadoop, NoSQL databases, and massively parallel analytic databases.