For the term "big data", the SDIA accepts the definition provided by Oracle.

Oracle defines big data as follows:

Big data is data that contains greater variety, arriving in increasing volumes and with more velocity. This is also known as the three Vs. Put simply, big data is larger, more complex data sets, especially from new data sources. These data sets are so voluminous that traditional data processing software just can’t manage them. Two more Vs have emerged over the past few years: value and veracity.