Notable Names Database: An Overview of the Biographical Intelligence Aggregator

Notable Names Database: An Overview of the Biographical Intelligence Aggregator

The Notable Names Database (NNDB) serves as a specialized online repository dedicated to the biographical details of prominent individuals from both historical and modern eras. Designed as an "intelligence aggregator," the platform focuses on collecting and organizing data about noteworthy persons, with a particular emphasis on mapping their interpersonal connections.

Key Facts

  • Database Size: Contains biographical information on over 40,000 people.
  • Launch Date: August 7, 2002.
  • Ownership: Owned by Soylent Communications.
  • Current Status: The site remains online but is no longer being updated.
  • Primary Language: English.

Ownership and Origins

NNDB is owned and operated by Soylent Communications, a sole proprietorship. The organization is also known for hosting the now-defunct website Rotten.com. The history of the entity traces back to Thomas E. Dell, a former software engineer for Netscape and Apple, who operated under the internet alias "Soylent." Dell originally registered the Rotten.com domain in 1996.

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Platform Functionality and Scope

As an intelligence aggregator—a tool that gathers information from various sources into a single, searchable location—NNDB provides a streamlined way to view the lives of thousands of influential figures. By highlighting how these individuals are connected, the database offers more than just isolated biographies, providing a network-based view of prominence.

NNDB Platform Specifications
Feature Detail
URL nndb.com
Commercial Status Yes
Total Profiles 40,000+
Operational Status Online (Not updated)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Notable Names Database?

It is an online biographical database that aggregates information on over 40,000 prominent historical and modern individuals.

Who created and owns NNDB?

The database is owned by Soylent Communications, a sole proprietorship associated with Thomas E. Dell (known as "Soylent"), a former software engineer at Apple and Netscape.

Is the Notable Names Database still being updated?

No, while the website remains online and accessible, it is no longer being updated with new information.

What makes NNDB different from a standard biography site?

NNDB describes itself as an "intelligence aggregator" that specifically highlights the interpersonal connections between the noteworthy people in its database.

When was NNDB launched?

The platform was officially launched on August 7, 2002.

References

  1. "The legacy of Rotten.com". The Kernel. October 26, 2014. Archived from the original on October 5, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  2. "NNDB". October 15, 2009. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  3. "Rotten.com is offline", The Outline, November 29, 2017.
  4. Schofield, Jack (March 17, 2008). "Meet the new Who's Who". The Guardian. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  5. Lowensohn, Josh (May 15, 2008). "Connecting executives (and celebs) with NNDB Mapper". cnet news. Retrieved October 15, 2009.