Enterprise information is physically contained within databases, documents, spreadsheets, images, project schedules, and other types of files or data sources. But, what is often overlooked is that valuable information can be gleaned from attributes about the file or data source. For example, who wrote this strategic plan document and is it only a draft version or is it the final release? For what time period does the financial data in this spreadsheet cover? What format is this image in and what is its resolution? What geographic region does this image cover? These types of data source attributes are all examples of metadata—or data about data.

Incorporating metadata into an overall enterprise data strategy and implemented in supporting Information Technology (IT) systems is a powerful tool in getting the most value out of your enterprise data assets. It is also a fundamental requirement for achieving effective information management. Capturing and incorporating metadata can:

• Dramatically increase the precision of a search for information, returning the two or three data sources that have what you need rather than forcing you to search through dozens or even hundreds of Google™hits for the information you need.
• Eliminate consideration of data that is in a format you cannot use, or identify that a format translation is required to put the data into a format that you can use.
• Eliminate consideration of data that is irrelevant because it is out of date, outside the geographic region of interest, or is from a source that may not be accurate or reliable.
• Increase your ability to correctly interpret the data you retrieve, thus ensuring that critical business decisions are based on solid reasoning about the information and not relying upon uncertain “guesswork” about what the data means.

In short, metadata increases the visibility and understandability of your data sources, while also increasing a user’s trust, confidence, and reliance on the enterprise’s information.

FGM can help integrate metadata across your enterprise by developing a tailored framework for understanding, measuring, implementing, and managing your information as a strategic corporate asset. We use state-of-the-art commercial products that emphasize open standards to develop and implement taxonomies to efficiently categorize your data, metadata, and even your enterprise’s Web Services. We can develop and implement comprehensive strategies, plans, and specifications to meet your business needs for managing and reusing data, metadata, and software capabilities to promote interoperability across your enterprise in a secure, reliable, networked environment.

FGM is a pioneer and a recognized leader in incorporating metadata management in a comprehensive enterprise data strategy. For example, we designed, built, and manage the Department of Defense (DoD) Metadata Registry & Clearinghouse (MDR), which is the cornerstone of the DoD Net-Centric Data Strategy. The DoD MDR provides a common repository for DoD metadata, schemas, and taxonomies to promote interoperability in a secure, globally connected, net-centric information sharing environment. This allows DoD users to harness the power of information publishing and subscribing, and to dynamically build new application capabilities to further exploit enterprise data assets in support of DoD missions that range from the Global War on Terror to providing humanitarian assistance in disaster relief operations to supporting information needs of those who secure the American Homeland.

Comprehensive solutions to complex,
large-scale enterprise data problems.

	Joseph J. Pantella Vice President Integrated Defense Systems joe@fgm.com Ph.: 703.885.1000 Fax: 703.885.0130

	DoD Metadata Registry & Clearinghouse One-stop shopping for data components promotes interoperability and re-use in a secure, reliable environment