Ask the Experts

Data quality techniques and best practices

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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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