Domains, mappings, and enterprise reference data

This chapter discusses a refined notion of data typing called a domain, which represents restrictions on sets of data values within a data type. Relations between domains are expressed as mappings. Domains can either be represented as enumerations of values or rules. Together, domains and mappings are a source of reference information; moreover domains and mappings have common utility that is discovered across the enterprise. As domains and mappings are consolidated from different data sets, they can be captured and managed not only as knowledge content but also as metadata. Data stewards are assigned to manage the reference data and are responsible for service, support, maintenance, data quality, and source management. When a catalog of domains and mappings is available for all users, reference data can be used to contract an agreement with the information suppliers or data stewards. Information is disseminated using a publish/subscribe mechanism, which can be implemented using intermediary agents processes known as brokers. If there is any sensitivity in reference to the users themselves or the specific reference data, an anonymous publish/subscribe mechanism can be implemented.