Immortal Computing...and Immortal Data

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 21:13:00 GMT

On many occasions I've had the opportunity to discuss data design issues with team members who would prefer to have a quick workaround rather than a durable design. The discussions almost always end up with a debate of whether the data structure is necessary. And I almost aways am heard to exclaim:

"Yes, the system we are working on will probably be around for only a few years, but the data will be around for much, much longer - probably decades."

...And the person on the other side of the debate almost always disagrees. So I go to the data and show them...That customer signed up for our utility service in 1954....and that bank account was opened in 1963. The original systems are long gone, but the data is still there.

I thought about these discussions while reading an article on Microsoft's patent application on 'immortal computing'.:

E-mail from the grave? Microsoft seeks patent on 'immortal computing'

By TODD BISHOP
P-I REPORTER

In this culture of instant information, some Microsoft Corp. researchers are pursuing a radical notion -- the concept of saving messages for delivery in decades, centuries or more.

The project, dubbed "immortal computing," would let people store digital information in physical artifacts and other forms to be preserved and revealed to future generations, and maybe even to future civilizations.

After all, when looking that far in the future, you never know who the end users might be.

Hmmm... If Microsoft is thinking long term about data, will I have more ammunition for my discussions? Then I read more, and it it sounded as if their proposed applications for this technology might be a bit...weird:.

And here's where the notion of immortality really kicks in: The researchers say the artifacts could be symbolic representations of people, reflecting elements of their personalities. The systems might be set up to take action -- e-mailing birthday greetings to people identified as grandchildren, for example.

What do you think? Will you be sending birthday cards to your great-great-great-great grandkids?

Do you believe this technology will help sustain information for decades?

Karen Lopez: Musings on Data, Process, and Architecture

Immortal Computing...and Immortal Data