Trends 2007: Master Data Management

Business and IT users continue to tie master data management (MDM) efforts to enterprise initiatives such as service-oriented architecture (SOA) projects, instance consolidation, supplier collaboration, content management, eCommerce, and business intelligence. In parallel, information and knowledge management professionals seek MDM solutions that allow existing apps to work off the same master data while reducing data quality and redundancy concerns. Early adopters have reached a growing consensus that MDM transcends technology; many realize that MDM requires significant business process transformation of the information supply chain. Data governance, focus on one data type, demand for data governance skills, and synchronization with a wealth of information management projects drive implementation trends. Meanwhile, the vendor market heats up as MDM players strive to deliver a holistic MDM solution through either R&D, acquisitions, or both.