The Data Model Resource Book, Volume 3: Universal Patterns for Data Modeling

Silverston c09.tex V2 - 11/21/2008 3:16am Page 502

502 Chapter 9 ■ Using the Patterns

alternative ways of modeling the same type of data requirement. Once

familiar with the patterns, a data professional can weigh the strengths

and weaknesses of the alternatives shown in the enterprise data model

when deciding which alternative to apply for their application.

Time saved in the enterprise data modeling effort. An enterprise data

model can be a very time-consuming effort, and we have found that

using patterns can significantly reduce this amount of time.

What Are the Weaknesses of Using Patterns

for the Solution?

The weaknesses of using patterns for enterprise data models are as follows:

It could, at first, cause some confusion to have alternative patterns

for the same type of data. Reading the enterprise data model with its

alternative patterns can be difficult initially, even for experienced data

professionals, regardless of how patterns were used in the model. How-

ever, we have found that over time, people generally get used to and like

the idea of being able to choose from a couple of options instead of being

forced into one way to model a specific type of data. Alternatively, you

may chose not to mix different alternative patterns in your enterprise

data model.

Different levels of patterns in the same data model can lead to incon-

sistency. Because there are a lot of options for modelers, unless you ...