No ratings yet.

In the early 1990’s the WWW brought a revolution. 10 years later we witnessed the rise of the so-called Web 2.0, which brought us social media and e-commerce platforms. It transformed social interactions, bringing producers and consumers of information, goods and services closer together, as well as allowed us to enjoy P2P interactions on a global scale. Yet always with a middleman: a platform acting as a trusted intermediary between parties who did not know or trust each other. So, we began to socialise with each other and share information via centralised services provided by big corporations such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon. It is indeed unsettling to realise how much these companies know about most of us. Also, it obviously makes it simpler for governments to carry out surveillance and impose censorship. Besides, should any of these centralised entities shut down, your data and contacts are gone. On the DWeb however, it would be harder for any government to block a site it doesn’t like, because the information can originate from other places instead.

So, what is a decentralised web? The DWeb is about re-decentralising things – so we aren’t dependent on any intermediaries to connect us. Instead users maintain control of their data and connect and interact and send messages directly with others within their network. It is meant to be like the current web but without relying on centralised operators.

How is it different?

There are two core differences compared to the WWW. Firstly, there is a P2P connectivity, where your computer not only requests services but provides them, too (just like with the torrents). Secondly, DWeb protocols use links that identify information based on its content – what it is rather than where it is. This content-addressed approach makes it possible for websites and files to be stored and transmitted in various ways from computer to computer rather than always relying on a single server as the one channel for exchanging information.

How would our daily experience of using the Internet change? Either you won’t notice or it will be better. One aspect that is expected to change is that you will pay for content directly via cryptocurrencies because the business model of personalised advertising based on our data won’t work well in the DWeb.

What do you think of the DWeb? Is this a realistic future outlook?

Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/sep/08/decentralisation-next-big-step-for-the-world-wide-web-dweb-data-internet-censorship-brewster-kahle

https://www.decentralizedweb.net/faq/

https://blockchainhub.net/web3-decentralized-web/

No ratings yet.

It is no secret that companies store huge masses of all kinds of data also known as the Big Data. Although a certain fraction is well-organised and thus easily accessible, at least half of the stored data is still unstructured. According to Veritas, some 52% (!) of all information stored and processed is in fact Dark Data. In another words, Dark Data is a type of untagged and untapped data that is found in data repositories and has not been analysed or processed. It is a subset of the Big Data but differs in how it is mostly neglected by business and IT administrators in terms of its value. Dark data is also sometimes referred to as Dusty Data. These can be all sorts of files:
• Log Files
• Raw Survey Data
• Email Correspondences
• Account Information
• Notes or Presentations
• Old Versions of Relevant Documents, etc.

Whereas it is commonly believed that data generally lead to improved decision making, many business leaders are unaware of the fact that the Dark Data can be more of a hindrance than help. Apart from its uselessness, it might actually turn out to be damaging for a business. First of all, storing vast amounts of data doesn’t come cheap. Companies tend to pay way more cloud storage space than they need, which inevitably causes unnecessary costs. Secondly, in the era of ever tightening data regulations, many companies might get into trouble should they be accused of neglecting sensitive personal information. The trend seems even more alarming considering the fact that hackers could potentially sip through the accumulated ‘databergs’ and get hold of sensitive material undetected.

Yet the Dark Data only presents a problem as long as it is not suitably tackled. The good news is that with the rise of AI-based analytical tools it might become easier for businesses to decipher the hoarded tons of information and unlock the potential that lies within. Of course, this is easier said than done: While larger companies tend to be better prepared to handle Dark Data, it is not always the case for SMEs. However, modern analytical solutions are gradually emerging which should also grant an opportunity for smaller businesses to structure their data and thus better comprehend the market. At the end of the day, it is all about the competitive advantage: The ones who will succeed in making meaningful connections out of their untapped data possessions will be the winners; the rest will be lagging behind.

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/29373/dark-data

https:// disruptionhub.com/drowning-dark-data/

https://www.veritas.com/news-releases/2016-03-15-veritas-global-databerg-report-finds-85-percent-of-stored-data

https:// disruptionhub.com/glance-dark-data/