Don't Fear Data Portability...fear the LACK of it!

[This was in response to an article over at Internet Evolution by Nicole Ferraro]




Data Portability, Privacy, and Ownership are three completely separate things that are nevertheless intimately related. Regarding data portability, if you are away from home and suddenly the local doctor needs to access your medical records, wouldn’t you want them to be able to do that quickly and securely? Unfortunately, without data portability, he may very well be able to get the data – but not be able to use it because it is in a format his systems are unfamiliar with.

The concept of single sign-on (OpenID, Facebook Connect, etc.) is a great example of Data Portability, though it only scratches the surface in terms of overall usefulness. Nevertheless, single sign-on allows information to “talk” to other systems in ways that are defined by concepts rooted in data portability.

People should be scared of unbridled access to information without constraints, accountability, and security. But, data portability is not something to be afraid of. It is an empowerment that operates transparently and provides options without limiting choices. And, with any luck it will be a core component of data solutions that puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Steve Repetti
www.radwebtech.com
www.dataportability.org
www.twitter.com/SteveRepetti

Twitter takes a bullet and we should all say thanks to them and others!

This weekend, Marshall Kirkpatrick over at ReadWriteWeb wrote an awesome article entitled: “How the OAuth Security Battle Was Won, Open Web Style” wherein he described a critical real-world issue that was confronted and resolved by real people working together in extraordinary ways. The story is timely, frankly amazing, and demonstrates the power that a few dedicated individuals can have over things that are important to us all.

One of the principals of this story, Chris Messina, said to me:

“@Steve: would love concrete proposals on how to improve the process. As this was the first time many of us had to respond to something like this, we're looking for solid ideas on how to make improvements. I'll look forward to your real-world advice!”

My response to this was:

“@fatoryjoe, aka Chris M. : for “making this up as you go” everyone did awesome! Identify the problem, contain the damage, embrace assistance, hunker down, envision a solution, execute the plan, communicate strategically, implement, follow-up, and then cross your fingers! (and be prepared to do it all again!) DAMN IMPRESSIVE!”

“The trick going forward will be how to timely include those that can help without jeopardizing the confidentiality and time-sensitive nature of the (next) issue at hand. In this most recent incidence it is hard to imagine how things could have been handled better, but there are also lots of folks that would help on a moments notice…and that provides a powerful resource not often found in the commercial world.”

“Open platforms continue to blaze new trails and I look forward to the continued conversations that reinforce the leadership position that these technologies and supporting communities deserve.”

If you take a few minutes to read Marshall’s story about all of this, you will quickly realize how much so few contributed to the well being of so many -- and how important Twitter's role in all of this was. This is a trend this world can and should embrace, and I for one look forward to lending my hands to these good folks and worthy causes in any way possible.

Oh, and, by the way, if you ever felt/feel frustrated about Twitter – just remember, they took a bullet for all of us this past week and that earns their respect in my book!

Steve Repetti
www.radwebtech.com
www.dataportability.org

Don't miss the most human story on the net...

I almost missed the most human story on the net today, possibly ever – and it’s still going on. Sitting on the couch next to my beautiful wife Angie, coding away with the world a blur, I would every now and then look up and see her entranced by a blog – alternately smiling and welling up with tears. And thus I was introduced to the world of MckMama and Stellan.

Stellan is a six-month old baby, and he’s sick – really sick. MckMama, Jennifer McKinney, is Stellan’s mother from Minnesota, and she has somehow found the strength to blog about all of this in real-time, and in the process the world has become captivated by this heartfelt story. Her blog’s site counter is currently approaching 10 million visitors – I know my wife is there every day.

Tonight, the world holds its collective breath. Six-month-old Stellan had heart surgery in Boston earlier today, and we do not yet know the results. In a world of distance and disassociation, where technology is all too often accused of anonymity, the story of Stellan has brought together the thoughts and prayers of the world.

If you believe in prayer, then Stellan is deserving of your messages to a higher power. If not, then Stellan is that compassionate deserving individual that makes you hope that the concept of prayer could make a difference. In any case, Stellan, MckMama, and the whole family are not alone in this ordeal. The world watches, and prays, and hopes. And none of us will be the same for the ordeal.

Visit MckMama’s blog at: http://mycharmingkids.net

Response to: Plaxo Bids for Relevance in Portability Era

Nicole Ferraro over at Internet Revolution just released an interesting article on Plaxo and Data Portability. Here's my response:

Data Portability, as a topic independent from all of the other issues, has the potential to be extraordinarily useful to both the user and companies (including the Plaxo’s of the world). It’s not a loss to the companies if they provide value beyond simply hosting yet another digital persona.

In a world of data portability, information seamlessly and securely moves between services subject to the wishes of the user and the negotiated relationship entered into by the user and companies, usually defined by the terms of service (EULA/TOS: another important topic!). Innovative companies thrive in this environment because of the substantial value-add they provide to the user – and, as a result, have the opportunity for exponential growth due to the seamless integration of their services with the larger world.

Users benefit because they get to focus on what they want to achieve with the information, rather than having to create yet another set of activity streams, friends lists, groups, security settings, etc., and having to worry about integration, access control, and synchronization. Or more worrisome is the danger of the provider “deadpooling” with your data locked in their vault.

Overall, data portability is good for everyone. It does not seek to reduce options or competition, rather it provide options and secure, comfortable means to a highly sought end.

Interested more on data portability? Visit http://www.dataportability.org and join in the conversation

Steve Repetti
www.radwebtech.com
Board member: www.dataportability.org

Oracle, Sun, and IBM dancing the dance...

While IBM danced around Sun doing the “maybe we’ll acquire you mambo”, Oracle cut in and announced this morning they are acquiring Sun in an all cash deal valued at $7.4B and that Sun’s board has already approved the deal. Who says deals are dead in the valley!

Response to: Facebook and the Future of User Generated Governance

It’s been a big day for news related to Facebook and its user base. I already blogged about a great article by Marshall Kirkpatrick over at ReadWriteWeb, and now I’m adding to the comments of Brian Solis who addresses this issue from a completely different perspective:

“I for one am excited about bringing the user directly into the governance process. In Facebook’s instance, I believe this has been happening reactively in increasing measure over the last 12 months. Facebook acts, the user reacts, and the process refines and moves on – probably not in the way Facebook originally thought, certainly subject to loud vocalization, but definitely in a direction that is ultimately good for the user base.

A more involved user base can change the reactive nature of this beast to a proactive partnership – good for all. However, this same principal applied to technological leadership and innovation can have an adverse effect. Any good developer will tell you that it is foolish to ignore the target audience, but every great developer will also espouse the benefit of solitary brilliance. Ultimately, the best solutions from the technological perspective find that balance between good and great, between audience participation and singular inspiration.

Hopefully, Facebook will find the balance in all of these areas. I for one am hopeful.”

Steve Repetti
www.dataportability.org
www.radwebtech.com
www.scrapplet.com

Response to: Facebook Management Has Lost Its Grip on Reality

Marshall Kirkpatrick over at ReadWriteWeb just published a significant article about Facebook and its increasingly evolving policies. Here was my response:

“Great article, Marshall!

The big message that all Facebook users should take away from all of this is that they can make a difference. Facebook made an announcement, lots of folks registered their opinions loudly, and Facebook’s position moved. Where it moved to, I think the jury is still out on that one – and it’s still moving.

Regarding Data Portability, remember it wasn’t so long ago that it was inconceivable that Facebook would make as much progress as they have, and, as trail blazers, they’re still trying to figure it out. And, that’s were all of us, the users, still get to make a difference. Now is the time for advocacy, for everyone to speak their minds about the issues and register their two cents.

Steve Repetti
www.DataPortability.org
www.radwebtech.com”