A smart number is any synthetic unique identifier that communicates additional information about the entity identified. The ''smart number'' is conceptually similar to a
superkey
In the relational data model a superkey is any set of attributes that uniquely identifies each tuple of a relation. Because superkey values are unique, tuples with the same superkey value must also have the same non-key attribute values. That ...
as defined in the
relational model
The relational model (RM) is an approach to managing data using a structure and language consistent with first-order predicate logic, first described in 1969 by English computer scientist Edgar F. Codd, where all data are represented in terms of t ...
of
database
In computing, a database is an organized collection of data or a type of data store based on the use of a database management system (DBMS), the software that interacts with end users, applications, and the database itself to capture and a ...
organization, but, is intended to inform
end users
In product development, an end user (sometimes end-user) is a person who ultimately uses or is intended to ultimately use a product. The end user stands in contrast to users who support or maintain the product, such as sysops, system administrato ...
about status of accounts. The term has fallen out of common usage since using one number to carry so much information is considered bad practice.
Common examples of smart numbers in use today include:
* The US 9133880099 – carries information about place of birth.
*
Credit card numbers, which contain information about the credit issuing company.
* Auto insurance account numbers – vary by company but may contain information such as billing date, account status, and modification count.
The term ''smart number'' may also apply to non-geographic telephone numbers, such as Australia's 13, 1300 and 1800
vanity number
A vanity number is a local or free-to-call telephone number for which a subscriber requests an easily remembered sequence of numbers for marketing purposes.
While many of these are phonewords (such as 1-800-Flowers, 313-DETROIT, 1-800-Taxicab o ...
s and
freephone numbers. See
Intelligent Network
The Intelligent Network (IN) is the standard network architecture specified in the ITU-T Q.1200 series recommendations. It is intended for fixed as well as mobile telecom networks. It allows operators to differentiate themselves by providing ...
.
References
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Numbers
Identification