Analytics for Enterprise Class Hadoop and Streaming Data

My fifteenth book in my eighteenth year at IBM—it’s hard to believe so
much time has passed and Information Management technology has become
not just my career, but somewhat of a hobby (insert image of Chloe reading
this in a couple of years once she learns the universal “loser” gesture).
I often dedicate my books to people in my life: This book I actually want to
dedicate to the company in my life that turned 100 years old on August 12,
2011: IBM. In this day and age of fluid careers, the U.S. Department of
Labor has remarked that the average learner will have 10 to 14 jobs by the
time they are 38; 1 in 4 workers have been with their employer less than a
year; and 1 in 2 workers have been with their employer less than 5 years.
Sometimes I get asked about my 18-year tenure at IBM in a tone of disbelief
for my generation. In my 18 years at IBM, I’ve had the honor to learn and
participate in the latest technologies, marketing, sales, technical sales,
writing, usability design, development, partner programs, channels,
education, support, services, public speaking, competitive analysis, and
always learning more. IBM has always been a place that nurtures excellence
and opportunity for those thirsty to make a difference, and I’ve got a
thirst not yet quenched. IBM deeply encourages learning from others—and
I often wonder if other people feel like they won the lottery with a mentoring
team (Martin Wildberger, Bob Piciano, Dale Rebhorn, and Alyse Passarelli)
like the one I have. Thanks to IBM for providing an endless cup of opportunity
and learning experiences.
Finally, to my two gals, whose spirits always run through my soul:
Grace Madeleine Zikopoulos and Chloë Alyse Zikopoulos.
—Paul Zikopoulos
This is the fourth book that I have authored, and every time I dedicate the
book to my wife and family. Well this is no exception, because it’s their
support that makes this all possible, as anyone who has ever spent hours
and hours of their own personal time writing a book can attest to.
To my wife, Teresa, who is always supporting me 100 percent in all that I
do, including crazy ideas like writing a book. She knows full well how much
time it takes to write a book since she is a real author herself and yet she still
supported me when I told her I was going to write this book (you are a
saint). And to Riley and Sophia, who are now old enough to read one of my