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Why We Named Our Asynchronous Text Embedding Infrastructure Infatrode
Why We Named Our Asynchronous Text Embedding Infrastructure Infatrode

Torqsight Labs Engineering Blog

Updated over 2 months ago

At Torqsight Labs, we believe that naming our technologies is an important part of our creative process and company culture. Today, we're excited to share the story behind "Infatrode", the name of our text embedding system.

The Genesis of Infatrode

When we set out to build our asynchronous text embedding system, we knew we were creating something unique and powerful. We wanted a name that would reflect the innovative nature of our technology while also being memorable and distinct. After much brainstorming and debate, we landed on "Infatrode".

Breaking Down the Name

"Infatrode" is a portmanteau that combines elements of several concepts central to our technology:

  1. Inf-: Short for "information", representing the vast amount of textual data our system processes.

  2. -at-: Derived from "asynchronous", highlighting the non-blocking nature of our infrastructure.

  3. -rode: Inspired by "electrode", symbolizing the conductive nature of our system in transmitting and transforming information.

The Silicon Valley Connection

Fans of the HBO series "Silicon Valley" might find our choice of name particularly amusing. In the show's third episode, "What's In A Name", the characters engage in a brainstorming session to rename their company... a "vision quest" of sorts.

While our Infatrode is very much a real and functional system, we couldn't help but appreciate the coincidence. The show's writers brilliantly captured the often absurd process of naming tech products and companies, with suggestions ranging from the overly simplistic to the downright ridiculous.

Erlich Bachman, one of the show's characters, exclaims during a hallucinogen-fueled moment of clarity: "It's all just meaningless words." While we don't share Bachman's cynical view (our Infatrode is far from meaningless!), we do appreciate the humor in the tech industry's naming conventions.

Why It Works for Us

  1. Memorability: The unusual combination of sounds makes it stick in people's minds.

  2. Flexibility: As our technology evolves, the abstract nature of the name allows it to grow with us.

  3. Pop Culture Nod: The Silicon Valley reference adds a layer of tech industry in-joke that we find delightful.

  4. Fun: We don't take ourselves too seriously.

Embracing the Unconventional

We're aware that "Infatrode" might raise a few eyebrows or prompt questions like "What the heck is an Infatrode?" We see this as a feature, not a bug. It creates opportunities for conversation and allows us to explain our technology in more depth.

Looking Forward

As we continue to develop and refine Infatrode, we're excited to see how it will shape our products. Who knows? Maybe one day, our Infatrode will be as well-known in the real tech world as its fictional counterpart was in Silicon Valley.

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