Big Data

The data revolution is upon us. More data than ever before is being generated and stored. Every smart phone user litters the data-sphere with snippets from the multitude of sensors built in to their devices. More and more manufacturers are building in sensors to the most mundane of devices. RFID abounds.

We are slowly being submerged in a sea of data.

The problems, as always are; how much of this data is garbage, how much of it is useful, how much will be misused, and how much will be misinterpreted.

With all data we have the perennial problem of GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out), just now we have tons more garbage. As data analysts we have to discount the garbage and determine what is useful. From what is useful we have to provide a correct interpretation, a clear picture to summarise the value expressed in the data.

And finally, the value of reporting is exposing the story hidden in data, and using it responsibly and productively.

The hacker word

Why does the word hacker have so many meanings?

An article recently published goes through the origins of the word.

Personally I prefer the positive connotations - where ingenuity and resourcefulness are gainfully employed.

Oh well........