How to write definitions using 8 rules from formal logic
Use these eight rules to clearly define new technologies as part of your awareness and education efforts. After describing the rules, I will explain how I defined Cloud Networking following all of them.
Cloud networking software enables data transmission within and between clouds by deploying and orchestrating virtual networking functions.
The eight rules for writing definitions
Having to regularly define research topics for new products or new categories, I always turn to the formal rules of writing a definition. It’s my sure-fire way of making sure that I’m consistently writing clearly and concisely.
A definition must be:
Encompassing
Essential
Not circular
Replaceable
Affirmative
Industry-specific
Clear
Objective
1. Encompassing
The definition must be both exhaustive and exclusive. This means that the definition must not be too wide – to include aspects which are not in scope; or too narrow – to exclude aspects that are in scope.
Serverless computing allows developers to consume resources on a pay-as-you-go basis. Too narrow - there is more to serverless than just the pricing model.
Serverless computing is a model of outsourcing infrastructure. Too wide - there are other models of outsourcing infrastructure.
2. Essential
The definition must express the essential points of the term you are defining.
Network Function Virtualization allows for easier management of networking resources.
While it is true, this definition misses the point of NFV, namely that it abstracts the capabilities of a physical appliance into a virtual construct.
3. Not circular
My favorite one - a definition must not rely on the term that is being defined.
The Internet of Things connects everyday things to the internet.
4. Replaceable
The defined term must be replaceable with its definition. This is a great test to see whether the definition holds up.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a credential verification method that requires the provisioning of two or more verification factors to gain access to an IT resource.
I always need to go through MFA when I log in.
I always need to go through the authentication method that requires the provisioning of two or more verification factors to gain access to an IT resource when I log in.
5. Affirmative
My second favorite one - you must say what a term is, rather than what it isn’t.
Autonomous vehicles are not driven by humans.
6. Industry-specific
The definition must be written in the context of the industry. For example, access controls for buildings is different from access controls for IT resources.
7. Clear
The definition must not contain figures of speech, metaphors, or ambiguities.
DevOps is every software developer’s dream.
8. Objective
The definition should not contain marketing speak, epithets, or hyperbolae
Intent-based networking is a world-leading solution that can instantaneously provision fully optimized networking configurations for break-neck speeds.
Applying the eight rules
Now, let’s compare these rules against the definition from the GigaOm Report on Cloud Networking:
Cloud networking software enables data transmission within and between clouds by deploying and orchestrating virtual networking functions.
Encompassing – it is both exhaustive and exclusive by noting that data transmission must be supported both within and between clouds. Some vendors have defined it as only supporting connectivity between (not within) clouds, a confusing decision which I explore further in Polysemantic Technology Categories.
Essential – it captures the core capability of transmitting data across clouds using virtualized networking constructs.
Not circular – while the definition contains the words ‘cloud’ and ‘network’, it does not rely on them. A circular definition would sound like ‘cloud networking software supports networking in the cloud.’
Replaceable – For example, “ evaluating software that enables data transmission within and between clouds by deploying and orchestrating virtual networking function.”
Positive – all statements are positive
Industry-specific – it is specific in the cloud and networking space of enterprise IT
Clear – every term used has well-defined meanings
Objective – the definition does not contain overinflating terms
Considering the rate at which the technology industry is innovating, describing terms accurately and completely will become increasingly important. I hope that these rules will help you create more clarity around your products and solutions.