This document discusses big data and strategic alliances. It begins with an introduction to big data and notes that big data has become a major topic at both government and business levels. It then outlines the three V's (volume, velocity, variety) that characterize big data. Several drivers of big data's exponential growth are mentioned, including social media, smart sensors, wireless networks, cloud computing, and mobile apps. The document argues that while big data volumes are large, the real revolution comes from disruptive forces across technologies. It notes that strategic alliances will be needed to integrate capabilities across groups like wireless, cloud, databases, and social/sensors. The document advocates focusing alliances on addressing capability gaps and outlines different alliance models.