We’ve been talking about data growth for the past two decades, but data is accelerating like never before. In fact, 90% of the world’s data was created in the past two years alone. One of the biggest changes is that most of the data being created today is generated by machines, not by humans using applications.

Take internet of things (IoT) sensors, used to monitor everything from traffic patterns and parking to air quality and infrastructure integrity. These sensors are generating mass amounts of data, but are cities set up to process it? This data is only useful if it triggers automatic workflows and information is disseminated in real time — and for that, IT infrastructures need to have the right building blocks.

As governments are faced with delivering more services with fewer resources, residents are expecting their governments to deliver services like they are used to in their lives as consumers. In order for governments to do this, they must be able to operate efficiently and analyze data where it is created. Data powers emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning, and it is bringing things to the next level. Additionally, it allows governments to automate infrastructure, which in turn enables greater efficiency — allowing them to improve citizen service.

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