Implementing a Modern Data Catalog to Power Data Intelligence

Chapter 1. Data Catalogs

A data catalog is a collection of metadata describing data assets and their usage. Modern data catalogs provide relevant functionality to support metadata management, enrichment, and search. They not only help users find relevant data but guide them on proper use of that data. Data catalogs help answer the questions:

• How can I find relevant data?

• Once I find data, can I use it?

• Should I use it?

• How should I use it?

Cataloging and managing metadata in enterprises is not a new practice. Metadata repositories have existed since the 1970s and relational databases have had metadata catalogs since their early days. However, in the years since, the technology surrounding data and the role of data in the enterprise have both changed substantially.

Enterprise data landscapes have grown more sophisticated—the “3 Vs” of big data (volume, velocity, and variety) are widely known. And the legislative environment mandating compliant data usage continues to grow in complexity as more people (and AI-powered programs) access and use data in new ways.¹ Moreover, the growing adoption of cloud computing and SaaS results in more data residing outside the enterprise infrastructure and control. As a result, collecting, managing, and using comprehensive and accurate metadata has become paramount; and modern data catalogs are the tools that enable best practices.

Modern data catalogs have grown in maturity and sophistication to address new and increasingly complex challenges. ...