Why Data is Different

But isn't it all data?  Although web content certainly is an important type of information available on a web site, Data needs to be treated differently.  Here I'm talking about Data with a capital D -- I thought the Wikipedia description was good: "Data refers to a collection of organized information, usually the results of experience, observation or experiment, or a set of premises. This may consist of numbers, words, or images, particularly as measurements or observations of a set of variables."  Here are some of the ways that Data is different:

1. People expect Data to be available in different Formats.
2. Users want to manipulate the Data.
3. You don't totally control your Data, since it is available in different Channels.

There are several implications of this including:

• Formats.  You may wish to standardize the formats that your data is available in.  Is all your data always available in csv (if that's what you standardize on)?  This includes both the formats themselves (Excel, Stata, etc) and also the method by which the data is requested.  For instance, is there one place that users can directly get all your data?  Directly doesn't mean some thin layer with links to databases each doing its own thing.  An example consistent format would be a web service with a published set of parameters by which the data could be requested.  Ideally, all the institutions data would be available from this one web service.
• Manipulation.  Sometimes people just want to see your data, but usually they will want to manipulate the data.  By providing your data in consistent formats, then it will be easier for your users to utilize your data.  Other users will expect that *you* provide the tools for manipulation of your own data. 
• Channels.  Ideally you will work to directly feed data to primary channels.  For instance, if you feed data directly to services like Swivel then you both get more use out of your data and also can ensure your data is available in its highest quality (not watered down by other people copying and pasting your data, for example).