Data Rot

Data Rot

Here in the Northeastern U.S. it is snowing outside and I found myself starting my day browsing through the myriad of industry emails I watch regularly.  Now, I’ve blogged previously regarding my thoughts on the “paperless office” (See “The “Paperless” Office –  Myth or Real Possibility?).  But this morning I found the article “Paperless office? Ha! How about a paperless life?” — and of course I just had to check that out!

While mulling over the “…paperless life…” idea I recalled how yesterday while watching TV in the morning I was introduced to the term “Data Rot” in a CBS news story.  I’d never run into the term but I immediately could relate to the terminology, as well as the concept of data formats “going away”.  (I was enthralled with the “wire recorder” and “reel to reel” recorder when I was in my ‘tweens!). 

Anyway, “Data Rot”, the “paperless office” and “paperless life” all are interesting topics, and looking back at what I’ve seen for changes in my life, I can’t help but wonder what our lives will look like in 2080?  One thing I’m sure of, however, death and taxes - not necessarily in that order!