Data Wrangling - This is your brain on silicon

It should come as no surprise, that as a professional data wrangler, I am perpetually intrigued by data management systems. Anything from boring old lists (still love them) to ultra cool sci-fi holodeck databases, complete with snarky AIs.

As we all know, data does not equal knowledge. Having access to trillions of factoids is harmful, not useful. With so much data out there, it's all too easy to drown in data overload. In order to put the data to work you need a method of organizing it all. Find it, link it, tag it, share it — and if you're creative, add to it.

Database and internet engineers are constantly working on organizing data and search algorithms. No matter what the economy is doing, everybody needs help with their data. Our craving for data is incessant. Any game-changing development results in big leaps forward, and often, gazillion dollar businesses (Google ring a bell?).

So, I'm always looking for database tools that not only slap a new look on existing architectures, but especially new solutions that break conventions, opening up new ways of working and thinking.

The latest entrants we've run into recently are offered by an outfit called by TheBrain. They offer PersonalBrain for all your own thoughts and computer files. Essentially a file management system where the items are linked to each other, allowing you to jump around without having to remember where you put anything. Not necessarily a new idea, but their execution is very smooth. The way they bridge the gap between digital files and your own ideas is clever, and an interesting step towards the inevitable convergence of your brain and your digital files.

Pushing further, TheBrain also offers tools for linking groups of PersonalBrains into loose affiliations (WebBrain) or structured groups (BrainEKP). Organizing all your own data is one thing, but finding ways to creatively link multiple PersonalBrains via the interweb is where the real fun starts. Could be very interesting indeed.

Hop on over to TheBrain's website and check it out. They have a short vid on the home page, plus free downloads for Windows, Linux, and Mac.