Ask the Experts

What is included in the GDPR definition of personal data?

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 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 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