Towards a Rosetta Stone for translating data between information systems. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morton, Josh; Beckford, John; Cooke, Louise
• Is Part Of: Business information review. Volume 32:Number 4(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 220
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Asset management -- data migration -- data translation -- information systems -- information system modernization -- legacy systems -- open-source -- Rosetta Stone; Business enterprises -- Information management -- Periodicals; Business information services -- Periodicals; Business -- Information resources -- Periodicals; Information storage and retrieval systems -- Business -- Periodicals; Knowledge management -- Periodicals; 658.403805
• DOI: 10.1177/0266382115616235
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3821

Abstract

Information systems are an important organizational asset and offer numerous benefits. However, organizations face continued challenges when upgrading ageing information systems, and the data contained within, to newer platforms. This article explores, through conversations with information systems professionals in four organizations, the potential development of a 'Rosetta Stone', which can translate data between systems and be used to help overcome various challenges associated with their modernization. Despite mixed feedback regarding the Rosetta Stone concept from interviewees, solutions highlighted in literature combined with participant feedback presented theories for its development, primarily as a tool to enable meaningful interpretation of data, rather than direct translation. The conclusion reflects on data collected to recommend a framework for how the tool might be developed and has the potential to be of significant interest to practitioners, open-source communities and organizations.