We hear a lot about "big data". Well, that can just mean lots of organizations have big databases. The reason we need to care about it is data sharing. And that matters no matter how big the data is. When data was first gathered in computers in databases, it was to enhance customer service. You could find things easier when relational databases came along. You had to backup your data in case the computer crashed. Now. Data is a commodity. And we both expect and are fearful of the data sharing between entities. Sometimes on purpose, sometimes by accident. And that data sharing isn't without its mistakes. Because big data doesn't just mean a large database. At this point, companies have lots of databases. Often with similar data, that share.
Here is where quality software comes in. Data sharing involves asking important questions - who owns the data? who is responsible for the data? who cares for the data? When you share something, you have joint ownership. Though in the sense of sharing a cup of tea or sugar or a tool, you may give something to someone, and it is their business what they do with it.
I worry less about big data. That is just hoarding. From a quality perspective, I want the data to be shared only when it should be, in the safest manner possible, as little as possible. Sharing data doesn't necessarily make things easier for good customer service. Only when the right questions are asked, and the sharing is based on understanding the answers.
Here is where quality software comes in. Data sharing involves asking important questions - who owns the data? who is responsible for the data? who cares for the data? When you share something, you have joint ownership. Though in the sense of sharing a cup of tea or sugar or a tool, you may give something to someone, and it is their business what they do with it.
I worry less about big data. That is just hoarding. From a quality perspective, I want the data to be shared only when it should be, in the safest manner possible, as little as possible. Sharing data doesn't necessarily make things easier for good customer service. Only when the right questions are asked, and the sharing is based on understanding the answers.
