DAMA Session November 7, 2023 – Top Three Data Modeling Trends

After over 30 years of data modeling, I’ve developed a “Spidey-Sense” for fads and game-changers. In this session, I’ll talk about three game-changers that have impacted me since 2020, and how we can address each one. I’ll share my solutions, and would like to hear your solutions as well. The game-changers are:

1. NoSQL data modeling. We’ll cover how by redefining and repositioning much of what we do under the phases of Align > Refine > Design, we can play a larger role in NoSQL implementations and therefore help produce more successful applications. We’ll cover each phase and debate whether the traditional logical relational data model still has a place in a non-relational world.

2. Semantic modeling. There is a very important connection between traditional data modeling and semantic modeling. We have the skills to do both. How can we play a bigger role in defining taxonomies and ontologies? How can we better assist data scientists and taxonomists?

3. AI. No trends talk would be complete today without including the impact of AI. We’ll cover both short and long term impacts. Short-term includes using AI as an apprentice to help with definitions or ensure we ask all of the right questions (e.g. six questions for relationships). Also, our modeling requirements expand slightly to include additional types of metadata, such as “AI-created” or “AI-shared”. Long term, can AI displace us? Can we use AI to review data models and maybe build them…hopefully not for a while to come. (Both my kids are still in college…bills, bills, bills.)

If we have time, we can open the discussion to talk about additional trends you see impacting the data modeling profession. Expect an interactive session with lots of book raffles!