Data Architecture describes the infrastructure that connects a Business Strategy and Data Strategy with technical execution. Ideally, Data Architecture happens within a systematic framework, providing a foundation for people and systems to work with data. Three types of components underlie the architecture infrastructure and connect to drive insights, make data-driven decisions, and manage risk. They include: Specific examples of […]
Data Governance 101
Data Governance (DG), a formalized practice that connects different components – such as roles, processes, communications, metrics, and tools – increases data’s value. By harmonizing these fundamental elements, governance ensures that the right data flows efficiently to the right resources at the right time. In this Data Governance 101 article, we will look at the definition […]
What Is a Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)?
Launched by DAMA International in 2004, the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) exam and designation has become one of the world’s most recognized certification programs for Data Management professionals. Anyone who passes the exam remains certified for a period of three years. When important changes occur within the industry, the exam gets updated to reflect the new skills and […]
What Is the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBoK)?
The DAMA Guide to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBoK) serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the data world. The second edition of the book, released by DAMA International in 2017, features updated contributions from more than 120 data professionals and highlights 11 core Data Management “knowledge areas.” As a whole, the 600-page tome […]
What Is Business Intelligence?
Business Intelligence (BI) includes the technologies and tools used to analyze and report on different business operations. Business Intelligence uses raw data stored in varying data warehouses, data marts, data lakes, and other storage platforms, and transforms it into actionable knowledge/information assets. Such elements include dashboards, spreadsheets, data visualizations, reports, and many others. According to […]
What Is Data Stewardship?
The Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) defines Data Stewardship as: “The most common label to describe accountability and responsibility for data and processes that ensure effective control and use of data assets. Stewardship can be formalized through job titles and descriptions, or it can be a less formal function driven by people trying to […]
Enterprise Data World 2019: Gorillas, Puzzles, Courtrooms, and Hats
“Context: Better understanding something by taking into account the things around it,” said Jeff Jonas during his Wednesday afternoon keynote at the 23rd annual Enterprise Data World (EDW) 2019 Conference (co-presented with DAMA International) from March 17-22, 2019 at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, MA. Context is the key that allows data professionals, and […]
Case Study: State of Arizona Implements Model for State-Wide Data Governance
The Arizona state government wants to improve outcomes for the people they serve. Part of their plan to improve those outcomes involves a robust state-wide Data Governance program to change the culture and elevate the state of Data Management for a hundred Arizona agencies. Jeff Wolkove – State Data Management Architect for the Arizona Department […]
Data Virtualization Defined: How it Helps Organizations Succeed
Data Virtualization (DV) is unlike traditional Data Integration, where change must be made on multiple layers; Data Virtualization makes change easy for the business as new requirements and sources can be integrated and changed rapidly. The Data Management Association International (DAMA) Data Management Book of Knowledge (DMBOK), second edition, describes Data Virtualization as: “Data Virtualization […]
Data Modeling vs. Data Architecture
In the second edition of the Data Management Book of Knowledge (DMBOK 2): “Data Architecture defines the blueprint for managing data assets by aligning with organizational strategy to establish strategic data requirements and designs to meet these requirements.” Another way to look at it, according to Donna Burbank, Managing Director at Global Data Strategy: “Data […]