The standard ‘computer’ definition for data is that it is anything in a form suitable for use with a computer. In analytics, data is often used interchangeably to mean ‘information’ but information is actually a collection of related data or knowledge about a topic. The main difference is in the level of abstraction being considered. Data is the lowest level of abstraction, information is the next level, and finally, knowledge is the highest level among all three.
Data on its own carries no meaning but it is the basis for drawing conclusions. In order for data to become information, it must be interpreted and take on a meaning.
An example (care of Wikipedia):
The height of Mt. Everest is generally considered as "data", a book on Mt. Everest geological characteristics may be considered as "information", and a report containing practical information on the best way to reach Mt. Everest's peak may be considered as "knowledge".
Raw data in analytics refers to the numbers, text, graphics, movies or other outputs from transactional applications or databases that are used as the source for information to be integrated into the business intelligence platform.
Refer also to Information
Refer also to Knowledge
26th January 2010, 10:48 AM
Data 
Similar Threads 
Linear Mode
