Understanding Data Architecture
Data architecture is one of the four essential domains of enterprise architecture, focusing on the structure of both logical and physical data assets within an organization.
Logical data assets refer to the organization's data structures, including databases, data models, and data dictionaries. Physical data assets, on the other hand, encompass the actual storage and retrieval mechanisms, such as servers, storage devices, and data warehouses.
In addition to defining the structure of data assets, data architecture also guides the development of application and technology architectures. Data and applications are inherently intertwined, with applications relying on data for functionality and data being managed and manipulated by applications. Therefore, data architecture influences application architecture by defining data access methods, storage formats, and data integration requirements.
Furthermore, technology architectures must support the data storage, access, and movement/location requirements defined by data architecture. This involves selecting appropriate hardware, software, and infrastructure components to ensure that data assets are stored, accessed, and managed efficiently and securely.
In conclusion, data architecture plays a critical role in enterprise architecture by defining the structure of data assets and guiding the development of application and technology architectures. By ensuring alignment between data, applications, and technology, data architecture enables organizations to effectively manage their data assets and derive value from their data-driven initiatives.