Hitachi Data Systems Corporation (HDS) has introduced the Hitachi Hyper Scale-Out Platform (HSP) that integrates with Pentaho Enterprise Platform to add value to big data deployments.

In an announcement the Hitachi Ltd. subsidiary stated that HSP offers a software-defined architecture to centralise and support easy storing and processing of large datasets.

"Many enterprises don't possess the internal expertise to perform big data analytics at scale with complex data sources in production environments. Most want to avoid the pitfalls of experimentation with still-nascent technologies, seeking a clear path to deriving real value from their data without the risk and complexity," said Stuart Cheverton, Business Development Manager, Emerging Technologies.

According to Hitachi its HSP is delivered as a fully configured, turnkey appliance that is designed to address typical adoption barriers to big data deployments, including the integration of disparate datasets.

"The architecture also includes a centralised, easy-to-use user interface to automate the deployment and management of virtualised environments for leading open source big data frameworks, including Apache Hadoop, Apache Spark, and commercial open source stacks like Hortonworks Data Platform," the company states.

As to the rate of big data deployment in Africa, Cheverton says more large enterprises in South Africa are looking to leverage data assets to drive innovation and ultimately improve customer service. "Breaking down the silos of your data is key in delivering a Digital Transformation strategy which in turn will lead to new revenues streams that weren't apparent previously. It is because of these reasons that we see the deployment of big data solutions gaining momentum in South Africa," he says.

While the speed of growth of big data deployment has been relatively slow in South Africa as a result of the lack of skills to deliver projects, the rollout of solutions aimed at supporting companies in adoption and deliver insight will certainly help, he adds.