data данные информация (текст, числа, звук, изображения), представленная в цифровом виде, доступном для компьютерной обработки. Термин происходит от латинского слова datum. Термин обычно используется как во множественном, так и в единственном числе, однако в научной литературе для единственного числа может используется термин datum

usage Data leads a life of its own quite independent of datum, of which it was originally the plural. It occurs in two constructions: as a plural noun (like earnings), taking a plural verb and plural modifiers (as these, many, a few) but not cardinal numbers, and serving as a referent for plural pronouns; and as an abstract mass noun (like information), taking a singular verb and singular modifiers (as this, much, little), and being referred to by a singular pronoun. Both constructions are standard. The plural construction is more common in print, perhaps because the house style of some publishers mandates it.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/data