There may not be an obvious, direct link between the news from the mobile computing arena and the big data M&A deals. But mobile, Internet-connected devices play a key role in driving the high volumes of data that enterprises need to analyze in order to stay competitive. Businesses require real-time analytics for the vast amount of queries and transactions coming from Internet users, who are increasingly mobile.

"The web channel will grow steadily through 2015, with an emphasis on customer empowerment particularly as consumers use their mobile devices while shopping," .

U.S. online retail sales increased 12.6 percent to $176.2 billion in 2010, . Forrester forecast online sales to increase at a compound annual rate through 2015, reaching $279 billion.