Ask the Experts

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 steps are key to building a data catalog?

An enterprise data catalog can help an organization effectively manage metadata and explore data sources. Expert Anne Marie Smith offers seven tips for creating a data catalog. Continue Reading
What data lake governance challenges do organizations face?

Expert Anne Marie Smith explores challenges an organization may face when apply data governance policies to data lakes -- and the benefits of doing so. 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 are the main features of data catalog software?

Data catalogs serve as data portals for self-service business analytics users. Learn how the data is curated, what capabilities are included, the market vendors and the benefits. 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