Data Architecture

Data Architecture

Data Architecture Jonathan Poland

Data architecture refers to the principles, structures, standards, controls, models, transformations, interfaces, and technologies that define how data is stored, secured, curated, managed, and used in an organization or system. This includes the systems and processes that allow an organization to efficiently and securely acquire, use, and manage data. Data architecture helps ensure that an organization can access the data it needs, when it needs it, in a way that is secure and compliant with any relevant regulations or standards.

Principles

Data architecture principles are foundational rules that guide the structure, use and management of data. For example, the principle that “data is a shared asset” can be useful for encouraging solution architects to use data repositories that already exist as opposed to replicating things.

Standards

Data architecture standards are structures, practices and technologies that an organization adopts to avoid reinventing things for every system, application or analysis. For example, an organization might adopt a standard way to publish and subscribe to data.

Structure

Data architecture is the structural design of information technologies for acquiring, storing, using, securing and managing data. A data architecture diagram captures the layers, interfaces, technologies and flows of data. These are typically produced at the organizational, system, application and solution level.

Models

A data model defines the structure of data itself. This includes data entities and relationships between entities.

Data Dictionary

A data dictionary is a reference that provides a user friendly overview of data entities, fields, formats, validations and business context. This can be used both by software developers and users. For example, a user who wants to build a report might reference a data dictionary to see what data is available.

Patterns

Patterns describe standard ways to acquire, store, transform, share, use, secure and manage data. For example, data architecture may include a sequence diagram that illustrates how to build a report from an organization’s data warehouse.

Controls

Data controls are roles, responsibilities, processes, procedures and systems for managing data. For example, a data architecture might define how data is encrypted in storage and the processes for managing encryption keys.

Integration

Data architecture may include structures and specifications for publishing, consuming, transferring and transforming data.

Master Data

Data architecture may define a single source of truth for data entities and methods for using and managing master data.

Technologies

The process of defining a data architecture often involves evaluation and selection of information technologies for data storage, analysis, integration, management, security and curation. For example, a data architect may perform a product evaluation as part of the procurement of a extract, transform and load tool. A data architecture document typically provides an overview of selected technologies including their capabilities, limitations and risks.

Deployment

A data architecture typically includes a diagram that captures how the architecture is physically deployed to infrastructure. This is similar to the logical data architecture diagram with details of machines, platforms, environments and technologies.

Learn More
SLED Contracts 150 150 Jonathan Poland

SLED Contracts

A SLED contract refers to a contract awarded by State, Local, and Education (SLED) government entities. These contracts involve the…

Risk Management Techniques Jonathan Poland

Risk Management Techniques

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks in order to minimize their potential impact on an…

Organizational Culture Jonathan Poland

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, behaviors, and symbols that characterize an organization and differentiate it from…

Waste is Food Jonathan Poland

Waste is Food

The concept of “waste is food” is based on the idea that an industrial economy should not produce any waste except for biological nutrients that can be safely returned to the environment.

Personal Selling Jonathan Poland

Personal Selling

Personal selling is a type of sales approach that involves face-to-face interaction with potential customers. Unlike other forms of sales,…

Opportunity Cost Jonathan Poland

Opportunity Cost

Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that is given up as a result of making a…

Labor Specialization Jonathan Poland

Labor Specialization

Specialization of labor involves dividing work into specific roles or tasks, with the goal of improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and…

Contingency Planning Jonathan Poland

Contingency Planning

Contingency planning is a risk management strategy that involves developing alternative plans or strategies in case the primary plan is…

Risk Estimates Jonathan Poland

Risk Estimates

Risk estimates are predictions or projections of the likelihood and potential consequences of risks. They are used to inform risk…

Latest Thinking

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) Jonathan Poland

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS)

Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) refers to a special classification of stock in the United States that offers significant tax…

Barrick Gold Jonathan Poland

Barrick Gold

Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: GOLD) is a significant player in the global economy, particularly within the gold mining industry. Its…

Newmont Corporation Jonathan Poland

Newmont Corporation

Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM), being the world’s largest gold mining corporation, with extensive operations in mining and production of not…

Gold is Money Jonathan Poland

Gold is Money

Overview The history of gold as money spans thousands of years and has played a pivotal role in the economic…

What is Leadership? Jonathan Poland

What is Leadership?

In the modern business world, where rapid changes, technological advancements, and global challenges are the norm, effective leadership is more…

Product Durability Jonathan Poland

Product Durability

A durable product, often referred to as a durable good, is a product that does not quickly wear out or,…

Durable Competitive Advantage Jonathan Poland

Durable Competitive Advantage

The most important aspect of durability is market fit. Unique super simple products or services that does change much if…

Praxeology Jonathan Poland

Praxeology

Praxeology is the study of human action, particularly as it pertains to decision-making and the pursuit of goals. The term…

Business Models Jonathan Poland

Business Models

Business models define how a company creates, delivers, and captures value. There are numerous business models, each tailored to specific…