Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What data lake governance challenges do organizations face?

  Consultant Anne Marie Smith details five challenges that an organization may face in applying data governance policies to data lakes and offers advice on how to overcome them.  Continue Reading

• What steps are key to building a data catalog?

  An enterprise data catalog can help data stewards and other users in an organization manage metadata and explore data assets. Here are 10 key steps for creating a data catalog.  Continue Reading

• What are the main features of data catalog software?

  Data catalogs are curated data portals for self-service analytics users. Learn about the capabilities of data catalog tools, vendors that sell them and how catalogs work.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between DBMS and RDBMS?

  A relational database management system is the most popular type of database management system for business uses. Find out how RDBMS software differs from DBMS technology in general.  Continue Reading

• What is an enterprise data strategy?

  Defining a data strategy can help focus an organization's data management initiatives -- but it isn't the same as data governance. Expert Anne Marie Smith explains why.  Continue Reading

• What is the best structure for data governance programs?

  The optimal approach to a data governance framework includes a program team, a data governance council and stewards. Expert Anne Marie Smith explains what role each group plays.  Continue Reading

• 5 to-dos for your GDPR compliance checklist

  It's never too late to fine-tune your GDPR strategy. Expert Anne Marie Smith suggests a current state analysis of your PII protections, drafting a data privacy policy and more.  Continue Reading

• What are primary, super, foreign and candidate keys in a DBMS?

  Here's a guide to primary, super, foreign and candidate keys, what they're used for in relational database management systems and the differences between them.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between DDL and DML?

  What's the difference between DDL and DML? Get the answer and see examples of data manipulation language and data definition language commands for SQL databases.  Continue Reading

• What does the GDPR definition of personal data include?

  The definition of personal data in the EU's GDPR data protection rules is broad enough to include any type of data that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person.  Continue Reading

• Dimension tables vs. fact tables: What's the difference?

  Fact tables and dimension tables are used together in star schemas to support data analytics applications. But they play different roles and hold different types of data.  Continue Reading

• Operational data store vs. data warehouse: How do they differ?

  Operational data stores and data warehouses both store operational data, but the similarities between them end there -- and they both have a role to play in analytics architectures.  Continue Reading

• What are key features for choosing the best ETL tools for your needs?

  Choosing the right ETL tool for your data integration requirements can be a challenge. Here's a rundown on what to look for in ETL software and potential vendors to consider.  Continue Reading

• What do we need to optimize our MDM strategy?

  Companies in all industries can benefit from a master data management program, advises MDM expert Anne Marie Smith. Learn how to enhance yours.  Continue Reading

• How a data steward can enable data governance, without 'police' tag

  A data governance program doesn't have to be a police action. Instead, advises expert Anne Marie Smith, data stewards should help bring about cultural change in a collaborative way.  Continue Reading

• Hadoop, big data haven't eclipsed data warehousing jobs -- yet

  Hadoop and big data technologies may grab headlines, but there's still a place for traditional data warehousing skills, according to careers expert Matt Mueller.  Continue Reading

• How metadata management relates to data governance and MDM

  Why is metadata management important? Because without it, you couldn't have a successful data governance or master data management program, explains governance expert Anne Marie Smith.  Continue Reading

• Five steps to implementing an MDM program

  Instituting a master data management program involves discovery, analysis, construction, implementation and sustainment processes, according to MDM expert Anne Marie Smith.  Continue Reading

• How to combine MDM projects and BI programs -- and boost their ROI

  Combining master data management projects and business intelligence programs can provide business value -- if the architecture is there to support it, says expert Anne Marie Smith.  Continue Reading

• Ride the wave of big data jobs by acquiring the right skills

  IT recruitment expert Matt Mueller suggests that data management professionals amp up their big data skills and experience in order to stay competitive in a swiftly changing industry.  Continue Reading

• Data management training helps, but hands-on experience is better

  IT recruiting expert Matt Mueller explains why obtaining a specific degree or certification in data management shouldn't be a job seeker's top priority.  Continue Reading

• Integrate data quality into your master data management strategy

  When implementing an MDM initiative, businesses should take steps to incorporate effective data quality management practices from the outset.  Continue Reading

• When does a NoSQL DB trump a traditional database?

  The unstructured data types common in big data systems are often better managed by a NoSQL database than relational software, Mark Whitehorn says.  Continue Reading

• Part-time data stewards can enrich data governance programs

  Data governance programs often rely on the part-time data steward -- an employee from a business unit who also serves as a data expert.  Continue Reading

• Cloud database security: Why it's a good idea to be paranoid

  IT managers should ask cloud providers some pointed questions about the security of data stored in cloud databases, says expert Mark Whitehorn.  Continue Reading

• Seven best practices to boost big data governance efforts

  Governing big data is much like governing other data, though businesses must adjust governance processes to accommodate larger, more varied data sets.  Continue Reading

• In-memory databases best suited for 'relatively small' data sets

  How does data set size determine whether an in-memory database is a good fit for applications, especially analytics uses? Mark Whitehorn explains.  Continue Reading

• Big data careers: Taking the initiative to improve your skill set

  Expert Matt Mueller offers advice to data management pros who are interested in developing their big data skill set.  Continue Reading

• Creating a data governance council: Enlist champions to lead

  Enlist senior-level champions from both business and IT to guide a data governance program and achieve harmony between the two sides.  Continue Reading

• Priming a master data management strategy for success

  Organizations should meet a few key program development goals prior to implementing an MDM initiative, according to MDM expert Anne Marie Smith.  Continue Reading

• Gaining business support for your MDM initiative

  Highlighting the benefits of an MDM program from both technical and business perspectives is essential to gaining support for funding.  Continue Reading

• Key issues to consider when building a data warehouse

  There are numerous issues, both technical and cultural, that organizations need to consider before building a data warehouse. Learn what they are from our data warehousing expert.  Continue Reading

• How semantic modeling will change data modeling in the future

  Find out how semantic modeling is changing data modeling and what the future holds for the use of semantic technologies in data modeling.  Continue Reading

• Role of a data architect in making data management project decisions

  Learn about the roles of data architects when it comes to making data management project decisions.  Continue Reading

• The state of enterprise information management technology use in 2011

  Get expert insight on whether there likely will be any strategic shifts during 2011 in how companies use enterprise information management technology.  Continue Reading

• The best way to begin an enterprise information management program

  Get expert advice on launching an enterprise information management program and creating an EIM strategy.  Continue Reading

• Common enterprise information management strategy mistakes to avoid

  Learn about four common mistakes that companies make when creating an enterprise information management strategy and starting an EIM program.  Continue Reading

• Six tips for improving data warehouse performance

  Get six expert tips for improving data warehouse performance. Learn how database engines, SSDs and MOLAP cubes can affect your data warehouse performance.  Continue Reading

• Emerging database technologies: How Hadoop and MapReduce compare

  Hadoop and MapReduce are two emerging database technologies. Find out how Hadoop and MapReduce compare and relate to each other.  Continue Reading

• The benefits and drawbacks of analytical databases

  Find out what the benefits and drawbacks of analytical databases are. See how an analytic database compares to an OLTP database and what each is best suited for.  Continue Reading

• DBMS and data warehouse trends: the rise of data warehouse appliances

  DBMS and data warehouse trends in 2011 include the rise of data warehouse appliances, according to one expert. Learn why appliances and semi-structured data are getting increased attention.  Continue Reading

• How often should you update your data quality strategy?

  Learn how often companies should update their data quality strategy. See how changes in data quality problems create new challenges and how revising your data quality strategy can help.  Continue Reading

• Implementing data quality software but ignoring governance policies

  Is it OK to implement data quality software but ignore your data governance policies? Learn more about the relationship between data quality software and governance processes.  Continue Reading

• Open source data quality software to help with name matching

  Learn what to consider before adopting open source data quality software to help with identity resolution and name matching.  Continue Reading

• Data governance trends for 2011: Scorecards and data governance tools

  Learn about emerging data governance trends for 2011, including more use of data governance tools and data quality metrics and scorecards. Find out what’s useful and what’s not.  Continue Reading

• How to get senior execs to buy into a data governance plan

  Learn how to get senior management to buy into data governance. Get tips on selling data governance policies and processes to executives who can approve data governance programs.  Continue Reading

• What’s the best way to conduct an MDM implementation?

  Is it better for companies to go with an enterprise-wide master data management (MDM) implementation or deploy MDM departmentally? Find out which approach our MDM expert prefers.  Continue Reading

• Do you need to gather business requirements for MDM projects?

  Do you need to gather business requirements for an MDM project? Find out and learn how functional requirements are the key difference between the MDM and BI development processes.  Continue Reading

• What are the most common MDM project pitfalls to avoid?

  Learn about the most common master data management (MDM) project pitfalls that companies run into. Get a list of the major problems that can hold back an MDM program.  Continue Reading

• What ever happened to PIM and CDI software?

  There’s a lot of talk about master data management but not so much about CDI and PIM. Find out what happened to those MDM-related technologies.  Continue Reading

• How change data capture (CDC) and data federation differ

  Learn the difference between change data capture (CDC) and data federation. Find out how companies can use both data integration technologies to improve data warehouse systems.  Continue Reading

• Four SaaS data integration challenges to keep an eye out for

  With Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications growing in popularity, learn about the SaaS data integration challenges companies should be aware of before starting a SaaS project.  Continue Reading

• Are the data quality issues worse in real-time data integration apps?

  Find out if real-time data integration applications has more data quality issues than other approaches. Also, see if real-time or near-real-time integration are really useful.  Continue Reading

• Key steps for developing an enterprise information management strategy

  Here you’ll find 12 expert tips on developing an enterprise information management strategy and roadmap for your company. Use the EIM strategy development advice to get started.  Continue Reading

• Key components of enterprise information management programs

  Learn which three components of enterprise information management programs are most important for a successful EIM strategy.  Continue Reading

• How enterprise information management (EIM) differs from ECM

  Learn how enterprise information management (EIM) differs from enterprise content management (ECM) and unstructured data management as a data management technology category.  Continue Reading

• Overview of RDBMS security concepts in client/server architectures

  Find an overview of RDBMS security concepts in client/server architectures. Learn about the security role of a database engine and why a relational DBMS should control data access.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between data definition language (DDL) and SQL?

  Learn the difference between a data definition language (DDL), also known as data descriptive language, and the Structured Query Language (SQL). Find examples of both DDL and SQL.  Continue Reading

• How database performance tuning and data migration affect databases

  Find out how database performance tuning and data migration to a new database engine affect database performance. Learn about indexing columns and partitioning tables.  Continue Reading

• How will the Sun acquisition affect Oracle data warehouse strategy?

  Find out how Oracle’s acquisition of Sun may affect Oracle data warehouse strategy and what it means for users. Also, see what role packaged BI software plays in Oracle’s strategy.  Continue Reading

• When to use a DBMS and the future of data warehousing data management

  Find out when you should use a DBMS with your data warehouse, and learn about the future of data warehousing data management and current state of data warehouse architecture.  Continue Reading

• How to organize an enterprise conceptual data model development effort

  Find out why it’s important and how to organize an enterprise conceptual data model development. Learn how a data governance organization can help your ECDM effort.  Continue Reading

• Steps for converting a logical data model into a physical data model

  Learn how to convert a logical data model into a physical data model via data modeling best practices. Find out how DDL and your data modeling practices play a role in conversions.  Continue Reading

• The truth about retail data modeling software

  Find out if there are any high-quality retail data modeling software tools and if general-purpose tools in the data modeling market can help with retail data model projects.  Continue Reading

• Data modeling tools: Best practices for selection and evaluation

  Get best-practices advice and tips for choosing and evaluating data modeling tools. Also, learn how to define data modeling requirements and use your data governance council.  Continue Reading

• Should pharmaceutical companies invest in MDM services and software?

  Find out if pharmaceutical companies should invest in MDM services and MDM software and how health science companies should manage their MDM programs.  Continue Reading

• Tips for managing system and data sprawl issues

  Learn how to manage system and data sprawl issues with tips from our MDM expert, including designing a conceptual data model and developing an MDM roadmap.  Continue Reading

• Is linking master data and transactional data a growing MDM trend?

  Find out if linking master data and transactional data is a growing master data management (MDM) trend, and see what our MDM expert thinks of so-called MDM Lite solutions.  Continue Reading

• Basic steps for circumscribing and managing master data

  Learn basic principles for circumscribing master data from the rest of your data and read about three simple steps for managing master data, with tips from our MDM expert.  Continue Reading

• How to include data governance in an MDM development process

  Learn how to include data policies and data governance in a master data management (MDM) development process even if your company doesn’t want to fund data governance.  Continue Reading

• Who should own the data governance process and framework?

  Find out who should be the primary owner of the data governance process within an organization and what roles or departments should control the data governance framework.  Continue Reading

• Estimating the cost of poor data quality and customer data cleansing

  Estimating the cost of poor data quality can be a challenge. Read our expert's tips for estimating value of customer data cleansing and know how much dirty data is costing your company.  Continue Reading

• Can we enforce data integrity in a company to ensure accurate data?

  Find out if companies can enforce data integrity to ensure data accuracy in internal reports and systems. Plus, learn how data interpretation can affect the use of accurate data.  Continue Reading

• What are aggregate tables and aggregate fact tables?

  Here you'll see examples and read definitions of aggregate tables and aggregate fact tables. You'll also learn how to use aggregate tables in data warehouses and databases.  Continue Reading

• Data warehouse concepts: Data flow and sending data to source systems

  Learn about a data warehouse concept: data flow. And find out if it's a good idea to flow data from your data warehouse or data marts back to source systems.  Continue Reading

• Building a data quality business case: Issues with poor data quality

  If you're trying to build a data quality business case, make sure you know common issues caused by poor data quality, with tips and advice from a project management expert.  Continue Reading

• Is open source data management software better than traditional tools?

  Get a snapshot of the open source data management software vs. on-premise tools debate with advice from a systems expert, including creating policies for open source applications.  Continue Reading

• What are some major data management technology trends?

  In this expert Q/A, you'll learn about some major data management technology trends coming out of the recession, including MDM and new types of data analysis tools.  Continue Reading

• How do operational data integration and analytical integration differ?

  Get a definition of operational data integration, plus learn how it differs from analytical data integration and find out if you should implement both styles.  Continue Reading

• Four common data integration issues and challenges

  Embarking on a data integration project? Make sure you know common data integration issues and challenges before beginning your next integration implementation.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for planning a data integration process

  Planning a data integration process? Learn about standard integration methods and data integration best practices to help integrate new data or systems successfully.  Continue Reading

• Service autonomy: How it works with SOA and the data service layer

  How does the data service layer affect service autonomy? Get an SOA and integration expert's take, plus learn how service autonomy works in developing a data services environment.  Continue Reading

• Data modeling software: How to choose between custom and commercial

  Should you build custom data modeling applications or buy data modeling software? Get an expert's take, plus see how using a conceptual data model plays a vital role in each method.  Continue Reading

• Public-sector case studies: Building a strong MDM business case

  How are government agencies implementing MDM and CDI? Learn about some public-sector case studies and why you should design a strong MDM business case.  Continue Reading

• Ensuring referential integrity in an MDM hub, transactional database

  Can you ensure referential integrity between an MDM hub and a transactional database? Get an expert's take on referential integrity in data warehousing and learn how an MDM hub works with data.  Continue Reading

• What are some key decentralized data storage issues?

  Learn some common key decentralized data storage issues and how a master data management (MDM) hub can help.  Continue Reading

• When during a project lifecycle should we conduct a risk assessment?

  When should you conduct a risk assessment? Find out, plus learn how enterprise risk management (ERM) can help you manage and address project risk.  Continue Reading

• Should we create a long-term data management plan?

  Find out if it makes sense to create a long-term data management plan and learn what areas you should invest in, including data mining and BI tools and data quality.  Continue Reading

• Understanding five major enterprise information management benefits

  Learn about the primary enterprise information management (EIM) benefits and five major problems EIM can help solve, including data quality, information management, process efficiency, security and organizational agility.  Continue Reading

• Do you need enterprise information management software to conduct EIM?

  Do you need enterprise information management (EIM) software or tools to conduct EIM? See what our expert says, plus find out what makes for a successful EIM program.  Continue Reading

• What is the difference between a logical and physical warehouse design?

  What's the difference between logical design and physical design? Get an expert's take, plus learn about three data warehouse models -- the user model, physical model and logical model -- and how they differ.  Continue Reading

• What are some emerging data warehouse and DBMS trends?

  What are some emerging DBMS and data warehouse trends? Find out what our expert thinks, including the benefits of solid state disks (SSD) and hot data.  Continue Reading

• Benefits of project management professional certification training

  Is there any value or benefits to receiving project management professional certifications and training? Get an expert's opinion and find out if PM programs are worth more than PM experience.  Continue Reading

• How to design project management plan templates for large projects

  Managing several projects with large teams? Find out how many project management templates you should use to best control each, plus read a project definition in this Q/A from a project management expert.  Continue Reading

• Handling project management issues for a proprietary ownership conflict

  Project management issues are common but some are worse than others. When a system configuration team refuses to hand over code find out if there's anything the project manager can do to resolve the issue.  Continue Reading

• Can we leverage existing data quality tools for an MDM program?

  Find out if you can leverage your existing data quality tool for your master data management (MDM) program or if you need to buy new MDM software and tools in this expert tip.  Continue Reading

• What exactly is data governance and what falls under this category?

  What is data governance? Read an expert's definition of data governance and find out what falls under data governance's domain.  Continue Reading

• Six criteria for master data management (MDM) tool evaluation

  Starting to evaluate MDM tools and software? Know what six areas you should look at to make sure you choose the best vendor and tool for your business needs.  Continue Reading

• What's the cost of developing PIM software internally vs. externally?

  Find out the cost of developing PIM software internally compared to externally and other important factors you should consider when implementing PIM tools.  Continue Reading

• Is it better to have a centralized or decentralized master data structure?

  Should your master data be centralized or decentralized? Get an expert's take, plus find out how different MDM architecture styles affect your master data and MDM hub.  Continue Reading