In 1970, Ted Codd introduced the relational data model, which proposed representing data as tuples, grouped into relations, to allow for declarative methods to specify data. SQL was developed at IBM as a way to query relational databases. It is a declarative programming language, expressing what data is to be retrieved, as opposed to imperative programming languages […]
Data Modeling in Machine Learning Pipelines: Best Practices Using SQL and NoSQL Databases
Data, undoubtedly, is one of the most significant components making up a machine learning (ML) workflow, and due to this, data management is one of the most important factors in sustaining ML pipelines. An appropriate data model allows the respective data to be accessible all day long, operate at peak efficiency, and be adjusted to […]
Book of the Month: Data Models for Banking, Finance, and Insurance
Welcome to the first “Book of the Month” for 2025. This time, we’ll be going over “Data Models for Banking, Finance, and Insurance” by Claire L. Frankel. This book arms the reader with a set of best practices and data models to help implement solutions in the banking, finance, and insurance industries. Right at the beginning […]
Enterprise Data World 2024 Takeaways: Trending Topics in Data Architecture and Modeling
I was privileged to deliver a workshop at Enterprise Data World 2024. Publishing this review is a way to express my gratitude to the fantastic team at DATAVERSITY and Tony Shaw personally for organizing this prestigious live event. Part 1 of this article considered the key takeaways in data governance, discussed at Enterprise Data World 2024. Part […]
Why Your Business Needs Data Modeling and Business Architecture Integration
In the contemporary business environment, the integration of data modeling and business structure is not only advantageous but crucial. This dynamic pair of documents serves as the foundation for strategic decision-making, providing organizations with a distinct pathway toward success. Data modeling provides organization to your facts, whereas business architecture defines the operational mechanisms of your […]
Granularity Is the True Data Advantage
Commerce today runs on data – guiding product development, improving operational efficiency, and personalizing the customer experience. However, many organizations fall into the trap of thinking that more data means more sales, when these two factors aren’t directly correlated. Often, executives will become overzealous in their digital transformations and cut blank checks for data collection, […]
Facing a Big Data Blank Canvas: How CxOs Can Avoid Getting Lost in Data Modeling Concepts
The volume of data now available to businesses continues to grow exponentially. When looking to extract valuable insights into their business’s performance, C-level executives (CxOs) must navigate the big data blank canvas. This requires a strategic approach, in which CxOs should define business objectives, prioritize data quality, leverage technology, build a data-driven culture, collaborate with […]
Data’s Chess Game: Strategic Moves in Data Modeling for Competitive Advantage
Having been an avid chess player for years, I find that my perspective on everything I do in life often mirrors the strategic thinking inherent in the game. Therefore, it was just a matter of time before this chess-inspired outlook permeated my professional life as a data practitioner. In both chess and data modeling, the […]
Handling Data Concerns in 2024 and Onwards
Looking back, then forward, is a traditional exercise by year-end. Which data concerns are important enough to worry about in 2024? Which of those do we stand a chance of doing something good for in 2024? Needless to say, money (budget and costs) is an issue. But even more needless to say, solving real business […]
The Data Warehouse Development Lifecycle Explained
The desire to leverage data as a strategic asset has led to the development of sophisticated systems and methodologies that go beyond basic data storage and retrieval. Among these advancements is modern data warehousing, a comprehensive approach that provides access to vast and disparate datasets. The concept of data warehousing emerged as organizations began to […]