Big Data Analytics: Descriptive Vs. Predictive Vs. Prescriptive

Translating terabytes of structured and unstructured data into tangible actions is the holy grail of Big Data.  Without this translation, Big Data is just a huge boat anchor around your neck. 
This interesting Information Week article provides an overview of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics.  Good reading to help you get the basics of using Big Data to drive decision making.