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Slides:
Meeting Topic: Data Modeling: Not Just for Databases Anymore
Data modeling is a technique used to create high-integrity models
of facets of the real world we wish to describe. Logical data modeling
is a technology-independent technique, while physical data modeling
is focused on adapting logical data models to be implemented in
software systems such as database management systems (DBMS's).
Data modeling used to be seen primarily as an arcane activity practiced
by designers and developers with "data" or "database" in their job
titles (e.g., data analysts and database administrators). Today,
however, there is a growing appreciation for the value of data modeling
in many domains, both technical and non technical.
Historically, most data-modeling techniques and tools have been
suboptimal, and often focused more on implementation details, than
on logical analysis (analysis focused on real-world details and
not on hardware/software implementation considerations). Now, with
increasingly pervasive use of Extensible Markup Language (XML) and
broader exploitation of metadata, all facilitated by improved (and
much more cost effective) data modeling techniques and tools, data
modeling is useful for all information workers.
Data modeling is also a critical success factor for service-oriented
architecture (SOA) endeavors. At a high level of abstraction, the
services at the core of SOA can be considered verb-oriented, while
data modeling is focused on nouns; both verbs and nouns are clearly
required for effective communication.
Regulatory compliance issues have also led to an expanded focus
on data modeling. For example, with stringent information disclosure
requirements in many industries, it's obvious that organizations
need to have a complete and concise set of data models in order
to understand which data is used by whom and in what circumstances.
One consequence of data-modeling-related market trends is renewed
growth, along with increasing merger/acquisition activity in the
modeling tool market. The superplatform vendors are also aggressively
adding modeling tools to their product families, although only IBM,
with its Rational Software acquisition, has a completely superplatform-integrated
modeling tool suite today.
Overall, data modeling is a critical part of the broader back-to-basics
trend in application development. Organizations that establish effective
data-modeling practices, especially logical data-modeling practices,
will be in a much better position to address today's information
technology (IT) challenges and opportunities. Information workers
(people with jobs that entail extensive information analysis and
management) who master data modeling will also be much more productive
and effective in their data-related endeavors, because data modeling
is definitely not just for databases anymore.
Peter O'Kelly
Research Director
PRINT INDIVIDUAL Biography
Emphases: Microsoft .NET application architecture and strategy,
XML and document/database management system (DBMS) convergence,
communication/collaboration applications and tools.
Background: Over 20 years of software career focused on
application architectures, XML and database topics, and collaborative
applications. Enterprise application developer and data modeler.
Software product management, business development, and strategy
roles with companies including IBM/Lotus, Groove, and Macromedia.
Analyst/author of dozens of reports and articles on Microsoft platform
and product strategy, XML standards, DBMS market dynamics, and other
topics. Consultant to enterprises and software vendors (including
Casahl Technologies, Onfolio, and Softricity) on topics including
application architecture, data/conceptual modeling, and product/company
strategy.
Primary Distinctions: Created the first corporate-level
logical data model for Procter & Gamble. Led Lotus Notes product
management during the pivotal Notes R4 release. Established product
management and competitive strategy for collaborative application
pioneer Groove Networks. Macromedia VP Strategy during the launch
of its MX product line. Avid blogger since early 2000 (http://pbokelly.blogspot.com/).
Details
When:
9:00 a.m. - Noon
Wednesday August 9, 2006
Where:
LaQuinta Inn & Suites (formerly Woodfield Suites)
5217 Terrace Dr.
Madison, WI 53704
Click
here for map.
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