  Over the last decade we have witnessed an increasing use of data processing
in embedded systems. Where in the past the data processing was limited (if
present at all) to the handling of a small number of "on-off control signals",
more recently much more complex sensory data is being captured, processed and
used to improve system performance and dependability. The advent of
systems-of-systems aggravates the use of more and more data, for instance, by
bringing together data from several independent sources, allowing, in
principle, for even better performing systems. However, this ever stronger
data-orientation brings along several challenges in system design, both
technically and organisationally, and also forces manufacturers to think beyond
their traditional field of expertise. In this short paper, I will address these
new design challenges, through a number of examples. The paper finishes with
concrete challenges for supporting tools and techniques for system design in
this new context.
