Data vs. Function

A pervasive compare/contrast in computing is data vs. function. You see it in such fundamental areas as language types (procedural, object, functional) and the associated design processes.

In the Web arena, the conversation I usually think of when this comes up is REST/WOA vs. SOA. However, I'm increasingly thinking of event processing. Here's a few recent items that prompted this post:

• A Dana Gardner post on the formation of the Event Processing Technical Society.
• A Joe McKendrick post about taking a rules-oriented approach to SOA.

So much of the SOA conversation has focused on the "function" aspect since services potentially enable process agility and adaptability. However, the "data" aspect (events/rules) will be equally important (and probably more difficult) if the past is any indicator.