Is Data Technology? The Great Debate!

In our digitally driven age

1. Has "Data" become a buzzword?
2. Why is it often discussed in tandem with technology?
3. Isn't Data itself a form of Technology?

Let's review and see if we can settle "The Great Debate!"

"DAST" Data as Technology.

The term ("DAST" Data as Technology) doesn't yet exist, amongst Data peers and professionals. Remember my name if it becomes a common term. "DAST"

1. The key ingredient to Digital Innovation:

When we look at how Data is used today, it’s clear that it forms the backbone of many technological innovations.

For example, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning models (ML) are built on vast datasets. These technologies rely on data to function effectively. AI & ML tools learn from the dataset to make predictions, automate tasks, and improve services.

In this context, Data is not just a passive component but an active player driving technological progress. If Data is the Teacher, AI & ML are the students.

((If D = T) ((Ai+ML)=S)). This isn't a real formula.

2. Cloud Infrastructure & Analytics:

Modern cloud infrastructure storages (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data analytics platforms (Hadoop, Cloudera, Snowflake), are designed to handle and process data.

The usefulness of one is dependant on the other. The "Yin and yang" might be a close enough (but not the perfect) analogy.

3. Data Engineering and Management:

Data engineering and Data management involves creating systems and tools to collect, store, and analyse data. This process turns raw data into insights, a transformation that is inherently technological. For instance, data engineers use various technologies to ensure data is clean, accessible, and secure, further embedding data within the realm of technology. SQL, Python, Apache Spark are some examples. Sorry to disappoint no more analogies :(

Data as not Technology

("DASNT", Data as not Technology) is too much of a mouthful. No claim to fame here. Let's focus on the debate.

1. Data as Raw Material:

On the flip side, data can be seen as the raw material rather than the technology itself. Like oil to an engine, data requires technology to extract value. The oil is the raw material, and the engine (Machinery) uses the raw material, which enables it "to have power." Perfect analogy really.

2. "Data as Information" Raw Facts & Figures

Data, at its core, is just a set of information! —raw facts and figures. Phone numbers, Email addresses, Age, Gender, Bank Account details, Amount of cash in your account, your shoe size, how many Talabat orders you make a month? what time you log into instagram? and what meme/reel do you engage with the most?. You get the idea. On it's own, It's just figures. This dataset of consumer information & behaviour is not technology.

Technology refers to the tools and systems designed to process and utilize this information. The analytical tools that process this dataset and derive actionable insights are technology.

Instagram now only shows you Manchester United and Christiano Ronaldo when you log into your account, Talabat messages you Domino's buy 1 get one free offer on Tuesday nights. and your apple watch automatically tells you... "you are 10 minutes away from the gym" as soon as you get in the car at 5am.

Final Verdict: Summary

While Data itself might not be technology, it undeniably fuels Technological Advancements and Digital Innovation. If Big data analytics, IoT, and AI were humans, they would be the greatest ambassadors (best references) to the value of Data.

Data might start as raw information >>> its application through technology then transforms it into a powerful tool.

Given the right conditions to flourish; It really is the Caterpillar that transforms into the most beautiful butterfly.

Thanks for reading and feedback always appreciated :)

Keep an eye out for more Articles on all things, Data, Analytics and insights.