Data composability: what it is + why it matters

One core piece of the Web3 vision is "composable data" - the idea that the information that powers our online experiences can be shared, used, and 'composed on' by applications across the web. This is in contrast to today's model, where data are primarily trapped in application-specific siloes.

Composable data is a paradigm shift for how the web works because it not only changes how applications are built but what an application is. This post aims to make this shift clear and concrete. By the end, you’ll see how writers in the future won’t choose between Medium vs. Substack vs. Twitter/Revue, and how you’ll be free to perfect your persona... See more

If Medium were built on open data, Substack wouldn't have to build an editor, interface, and CMS from scratch. They'd build a subscription module that operates on top of the Medium editor and content.

The need for "10x" improvements on products falls away because there's so little switching cost between applications - the underlying data stays the same. Every experience can be constantly improving, with iterations coming from anyone rather than only the original creator or company. The web becomes more composable, with more builders.

Applications no longer need to build an entire stack and compete for the best underlying data. Instead, anyone with an idea for improving the features, services, or interfaces of a use case can plug into the existing ecosystem and its data and start offering their improvement. Builders can build faster, users get more choice, and the Web as a whole... See more

Why should every potential business need to build all 3 parts of this stack when their core innovation or value add comes primarily from one or two?

Ceramic is building infrastructure for composable data.

Composable apps are far more likely to be complementary - delivering new services and interfaces to fill an unfilled niche— and far less likely to try to outcompete incumbents on a brand new (heavy, expensive) proprietary stack.

Today’s web browsers are relatively composable - you can add new functionality and features with extensions. Imagine if web browsers were locked down, and you had to choose between the core feature set alone: Chrome with built-in casting, Firefox with Pocket, or Brave with a crypto wallet. Thankfully you don't have to choose and be left so wanting ... See more