What to Look For in an Off-the-Shelf Metadata Registry When purchasing an off-the-shelf metadata registry (MDR), make sure it is a ready-touse registry based on the ISO11179standard, the international standard for representing metadata for an organization in a metadata registry. Also critical is that the registry can be extended and configured without programming effort to meet specific organization requirements that vary from the standard. Additionally, it should provide a strategic architectural framework that can be expanded upon for future data management needs. Creating a common understanding and assuring standardization and re-use of data components both within and across organizations is also important. A metadata registry is a key component of a Master Data Management solution because it provides a way to organize the content and representation of data elements. Pre-built templates can enable a quick implementation and productive use of the registry in a short amount of time. Look for an MDRfor your MDM solution that is fully browser-based and designed to be used by businessor functional users as well as technical staff alike. The ready-to-use toolset should contain all the elements needed for managing an MDR. They are: • • • • • • •
Pre-built meta-model as per ISO-11179standard (Part 1, Part 3, Part 4) Pre-built organization groups (roles) and associated security down to an individual object level (Part 1) Complete registration processincluding rules for registration and administrative status changes(Part 6) Pre-built classification meta-model and schema (Part 2) Support for self-recursive, network recursive structures, complex nested structures in an easy to use presentation layer – internal model seamlessto the user Custom imports to load complete hierarchies of administered items, permissible values and taxonomies Extended auditing and logging
Additionally the right MDM solution will also have a registry that offers a certification processto ensure mandatory elements at each registration level are enforced. As the standard evolves, make sure the software you choose evolves with it with no maintenance overhead. Software can be either licensed or installed on-site or hosted remotely.
In summary, your Master Data Management solution’s MDRshould also have: • • • • • • • • •
Fully extensible and open meta-model Rules and exit procedures validate the import and enrichment of metadata to ensure ongoing consistency Multiple ways to configure user interface Businessuser interface to manage and govern metadata The ability to easily map among data elements and physical models Workflow and collaboration features built in Granular security with external authentication A templated businesslayer that is ISO11179-terminology independent so as to encourage wider audience and usage Import data dictionaries, data models, file-based metadata
Additionally, it should be able to support the export standard and userdefined/enriched metadata in various formats: standard XMI, flat files and XML. ONEDATA MDR SALIENT F About the Author Software AG(http://www.softwareag.com) helps companies optimize and modernize existing technology to achieve businessresults faster. We are the world’s 7th fastestgrowing technology company and are ranked a “Leader” in eight analyst categories, including SOA,BPM, and Integration to name a few. Industry-leading brands include ARIS,webMethods, Terracotta, Adabas, Natural, CentraSite and IDSScheer Consulting.