The purpose of a data lake in data storage solutions is to provide a centralized repository for storing large volumes of raw data in its native format. Unlike traditional databases, which require data to be structured before storage, a data lake allows for more flexibility by accommodating both structured and unstructured data. This enables organizations to analyze complex datasets comprehensively using big data tools and frameworks. Furthermore, as data lakes can scale easily, they are ideal for big data applications, facilitating advanced analytics and improving data-driven decision-making processes.