Worse, in the networked economy that we live in, a substantial part of a product's value derives from compatibility--the ability to seamlessly exchange data with others using the same system.

FORBES: Apple offers sizzle

This is the role of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, and specifically the Ocean Biogeographic Information System, part of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange.

UNESCO: OFFICE IN BRASILIA

One prominent supplier of money market and mutual fund data Pete Crane, of Crane Data, says that both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the broader financial regulatory system are deadlocked on the issue of how, if at all, the industry ought to be reformed.

FORBES: Money Market Fund Reforms Remains Elusive

At the event, Iwata showed off how 3DS consoles can passively exchange data between each other in an automatic Tag Mode and how Mii customizable avatars will make their way onto the system.

FORBES: Nintendo 3DS Launch Dates And Price In Japan Revealed