From Data to Decisions: The Power of Information in the Age of the Web of Linked Data

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Description/Abstract

This talk describes the challenges facing military forces in an era of increasing data. We seek effective decisions from data but often there are technical, organisational and procurement difficulties that frustrate this goal. The presentation argues for an approach that is gaining ground in some civilian contexts. We will review open data initiatives and the benefits that accrue. The use of open standards in support of a Web of Linked Data is a second element. The use of open source software is advocated to support data publication and the applications that use data. Open licencing is a fourth element - the ability to reuse and re-purpose content and applications without reference to suppliers or other agencies. Finally, the extent to which this sort of "open" information philosophy can be adopted whilst still maintaining appropriate levels of security and resilience is discussed.