The Power of Names
In Cratylus, one of Plato's dialogues that relates the work and philosophical musings of Socrates, the Greek philosopher considers the nature of names. Essentially, the argument boils down to whether words are simply placeholders to signify something, arbitrary and functional, or whether names have a more interwoven connectivity to what they represent. Socrates doesn't take a stance either way (aside from rejecting linguistics as inferior to more practical studies).
The idea of names having power is something that's deeply woven into philosophy, religion and culture throughout human history. In mystic Judaism, the true name of God is integral to the entire thought system of Kabbalism. In Rumpelstiltskin, the imp is defeated through the use of his true name. Indeed, in the modern-day equivalent of fairy tales, a major plotline in the British television series Doctor Who is the revelation of The Doctor's real name.
Names are important, essentially, and their interchangeable nature can often be misleading. Take the idea, in financial technology, of ‘disruptive technology'. It's loved by marketing folks, who see it as a buzz word, but it's regarded with distaste by many others. I've had more than one person turn around to me when I've asked their opinion on it who has wrinkled their nose, sighed, and said they don't like the phrase.
Emerging
After all, disruptive implies just that ─ an interruption in regular service. Proponents will spin it as saying that disruptive simply means a change in the status quo, and one for the better, thank you very much. Critics, or those hesitant to adopt the moniker, say quite the opposite. I met with the CEO of a relatively new firm recently who, despite winning an award for disruptive technology, was quick to stress that it didn't break the market and that he didn't consider it ‘disruptive', per se.
We're not particularly great fans of the term here at Sell-Side Technology either, which is why you'll see a lot of coverage this week on ‘emerging' technologies ─ those that are just starting to come into their own, and present challenges for senior-level tech executives. Our special report covers implementation issues, assessing practicability, and a host of other useful information, garnered from the leading people in this field. Along with that, of course, is our usual coverage of the week's events, such as BT consolidating its voice offerings, a webcast on over-the-counter derivatives reform, a new CEO for Instinet and Cinnober's new cross-asset client clearing platform.
Over at Buy-Side Technology this week, sell-side readers may be interested to catch up on the London Stock Exchange Group's purchase of Bonds.com through MTS.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@waterstechnology.com or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.waterstechnology.com/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@waterstechnology.com to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. Printing this content is for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and conditions - https://www.infopro-insight.com/terms-conditions/insight-subscriptions/
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. Copying this content is for the sole use of the Authorised User (named subscriber), as outlined in our terms and conditions - https://www.infopro-insight.com/terms-conditions/insight-subscriptions/
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@waterstechnology.com
More on Data Management
People Moves: NorQuant, Tradition, Duco, HKEx, SimCorp, Hazeltree, Xceptor, Broadridge, and more
A look at the past month’s people moves in the capital markets technology and data space.
Northern Trust building internal cloud data ‘marketplace’
Using a mix of in-house expertise and third-party technologies, the firm has constructed a cloud-based data mesh that gives internal staff access to proprietary datasets and analytical tools to deliver greater insights into client activity.
FactSet looks to build on portfolio commentary with AI
Its new solution will allow users to write attribution summaries more quickly and adds to its goal of further accelerating discoverability, automation, and innovation.
How Ally found the key to GenAI at the bottom of a teacup
Risk-and-tech chemistry—plus Microsoft’s flexibility—has seen the US lender leap from experiments to execution.
The IMD Wrap: Beginning of the end for data audits?
This week, there’s exciting news for data bean-counters in the form of a partnership between two vendors that could change the way we view and track data usage and audits.
Symphony boosts Cloud9 voice offerings with AI
The messaging and collaboration platform builds on Cloud9’s capabilities as it embraces the AI wave in what CEO Brad Levy calls “incremental” steps.
MSCI counts the cost of bank M&A, looks ahead to custom indexes, AI
Cancellations of overlapping contracts following a bank merger put a dent in MSCI’s earnings, but management remains upbeat about the potential of recent acquisitions and new technology developments.
Nasdaq reshuffles tech divisions post-Adenza
Adenza is now fully integrated into the exchange operator’s ecosystem, bringing opportunities for new business and a fresh perspective on how fintech fits into its strategy.
Most read
- Chris Edmonds takes the reins at ICE Fixed Income and Data Services
- DTCC urges affirmation focus ahead of T+1 move
- FactSet looks to build on portfolio commentary with AI