DATAREALISM.COM
Realizing the True Potential of Hyperlinking and Relational Databases...
Despite the countless hours of development effort and millions of dollars of investment in designing and creating user interfaces, there has not yet been a system which allows users organize their computer files in a way that is truly intuitive. The computer industry has ignored the tremendous potential of relational databases and the hyperlinking concept in exchange for the outdated file folder analogy. Organizing documents and data into folders (or "directories") may be an essential and necessary first step in creating an information system, but does not come close to matching the human brain's capacity to link any item thousands (or perhaps millions) of different ways to countless other items stored in the "human biocomputer". The web-like structure of the Internet more closely imitates the hyperlinking capabilities of the human brain, but this is because the system itself is immensely large with millions of different points of connection: no comparable system exists which would allow individual users or businesses to have their own hyperlinked information resource management system which has evolved organically from that individual or businesses' own unique requirements. This is the need that the Datarealism system addresses.


In the Datarealism system, viewing files arranged hierarchically into folders would be only one possible way of looking at data stored on a computer. The file folder analogy evolved out of a physical system with constraints which no longer exist in the digital domain:



A physical document can exist only in one place at any given time. There may be copies, but for the purposes of storing hard-copy printed data in an efficient way, a document will usually exist in only one place in a file cabinet system. For many applications this may be sufficient (for example: "purchase orders, 2007"), but in cases where information is to be used in many different ways in many different contexts, the file folder analogy may be a poor locator. Imagine a worker in some creative branch of the information economy: imagine they had a brilliant idea for a new information system back in August 2005. When it crosses their mind that they may have found a practical application for that idea today in 2008, where do they go to get the details? Desktop->ideas->2005->Information Systems?



The datarealism system is currently in development. For a working example of the current prototype check out the Royalty Free Soundtrack Music Library.

June 2010 Update: A new server management administrator's interface has been completed. These functions extend the file management capabilities of the datarealism system to provide media file content updating, file description changes and administrative account management. Read a description of the new data mangement functions (with screenshots).

August 2010 Update: Additional administration features completed: server mirroring, basic reports (file and user activity statistics), simultaneous file upload to master and mirror (backup) server.

November 2010 Update:
Mp3 Librarian and online storefront application Little MP3 Shop is now available for download. Configured as a Windows service for use on Win 2003 or 2008 server editions, this initial freeware edition provides all the necessary components to run a Do-It-Yourself online music shop. For detailed information about the features and configuration options, plus the download link for the installer, go to the LittleMP3Shop home page.


For more information, contact: info@interannex.com

Recommended Reading: How to build a digital library

This web site was designed and produced by DIGIMATICA Digital Media.




What the the requirements for developing one's own personal information system?
If you want to do-it-yourself, where do you start? In my case, I had to look at my own habits and customs - my own ways of thinking and organizing the data which I have to deal with on a daily basis. I have tried different types of memory systems and workplans incluing "TO DO" Lists and Gannt Charts, but I found myself continuing to scramble with the task of putting all of my personal information and project planning into perspective. They say that each individual has their own mode of learning or assimilating information: shouldn't, therefore, your system of organizing data and realizing the maximum benefit of your own data be tailored to suit your specific personality?

- These are the musings of programmer, writer and film soundtrack composer C.P.Bryan.