data architecture
“According to the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK), Data Architecture ‘includes specifications used to describe existing state, define data requirements, guide data integration, and control data assets as put forth in a data strategy.’ Data Architecture bridges business strategy and technical execution”.
Data Architecture can be synthesized into the following components:
• Data Architecture Outcomes: Models, definitions, and data flows on various levels, usually referred as Data Architecture artifacts.
• Data Architecture Activities: Forms, deploys, and fulfills Data Architecture intentions.
• Data Architecture Behaviors: Collaborations, mindsets, and skills among the various roles that affect the enterprise’s Data Architecture.”
Realizing the target state
Data is one the most important assets of an organization. The understanding and planning of data assets is crucial to the future success of any organization. Essential to realizing proper utilization of the data, Data Architecture is the process of defining how data is stored, used, and processed. The Data Architect is responsible for defining the target state.The Data Architect breaks the subject down by going through 3 architectural processes:
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1
Conceptual
Represents all business entities.
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2
Logical
Represents the logic of how entities are related.
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3
Physical
The actual data stored on the storage media, the realization of the data for a specific function (storage, history, integration, updates, search, reporting, analytics).