TS ISO/IEC 20546

TS ISO/IEC 20546 is a terminology standard for big data, providing the common terms and definitions used to improve communication and shared understanding in this field. Its focus is not only on naming concepts, but also on giving the subject a consistent conceptual basis for big-data-related standards. In that sense, it frames big data as a technical area within information technology and explains how it relates to other disciplines and standards work.

A shared conceptual basis for big data

In general technical use, big data refers to data environments characterised by large scale and by properties that make conventional handling approaches insufficient on their own. The terminology focus of this standard is to define the language around those concepts so that data sources, processing approaches, analytics, and related system elements can be discussed consistently across domains. This is especially useful where multiple teams or standards families need to describe the same ideas with precision.

From a broader engineering perspective, big data is closely connected to data management, distributed processing, analytics, and interoperability. The standard’s role is terminological rather than prescriptive: it establishes a vocabulary foundation instead of requiring a specific architecture or implementation approach. That makes it a reference point for related standards and for work that needs a stable conceptual framework.

Why the vocabulary matters

• Helps align the meaning of big-data terms across documents and teams.
• Supports consistent terminology in related standards activities.
• Clarifies how big data fits alongside other information technology areas.
• Provides a stable vocabulary base for established and emerging concepts.