What are Data?

Is data the numbers in the data warehouse?

Oh! That is a very restrictive definition – especially for this generation being brought up on big data. So, is it the voice? Or the text? Or the video? Next you would start mentioning structured and unstructured forms of data.

But then you will be going into a long winding definition. On the other hand, beauty of a definition lies in its conciseness.

Dictionaries will obviously have a very standardized definition. So, I went to Google with this same query. As per Wikipedia,

“Data are units of information, often numeric, that are collected through observation. In a more technical sense, data are a set of values of qualitative or quantitative variables about one or more persons or objects.”

My definition of data is very simple.

Any interaction or conversation between the company and its customer (current or potential) is data.

Why is this definition better? Data is the foundation for Data Science. The wiki definition is a generic one – and hence of limited use. My definition covers the various forms of data – current and possible ones in future. Broadens the view of the analysts – and orients them towards harnessing its value.

What are your views? How do you react, when you are faced with this question? Do share your thoughts in the comments section.

Of course, the bigger question is, why is it important. Why should you know what is the definition of data. Well – you can chalk it up against the good-to-know things.