The Data Model Resource Book: A Library of Universal Data Models by Industry Types: v. 2 [Paperback]

"Len Silverston has produced an enormously useful two–volume compendium of generic (but not too generic) data models for an extensive set of typical enterprise subject areas, and for various industries that any data modeler will likely encounter at some point in his or her career. The material is clearly written, well organized, and goes below the obvious to some of the more perverse and difficult information requirements in an enterprise. This is an invaluable resource for doing one′s homework before diving into any modeling session; if you can′t find it here, there is certainly a very similar template that you can use for just about any situation with which you might be faced."––William G. Smith President, William G. Smith & Associates

"In today′s fast–paced e–oriented world, it is no longer acceptable to bury business constraints in hard–to–change data structures. Data architects must comprehend complex requirements and recast them into data architecture with vision for unforeseen futures.Len?s models provide an outstanding starting point for novice and advanced data architects for delivering flexible data models. These models position an organization for the business rule age. Their proper implementation and customization allows the organization to externalize and manage business policies and rules so that the business can proactively change itself. In this way, the data architecture, based on Len′s models and procedures for customizing them, becomes by design the foundation for business change."––Barbara von Halle Founder, Knowledge Partners, Inc. Co–author of Handbook of Relational Database Design

"These books are long overdue and a must for any company implementing universal data models. They contain practical insights and templates for implementing universal data models and can help all enterprises regardless of their level of experience. Most books address the needs for data models but give little in the way of practical advice. These books fill in that void and should be utilized by all enterprises."––Ron Powell Publisher, DM Review

"I was first introduced to The Data Model Resource Book three years ago when I was hired by a firm that wanted an enterprise data model. This company did not believe the dictum that "all companies are basically the same;" they felt they were somehow unique. After a little analysis with Len Silverston′s help, we found that we were actually quite a bit the same: we had customers, accounts, employees, benefits, and all the things you′d find in any corporation. All we had to do was adapt the product component of Len′s book and we were ready to move ahead with a great framework for all of our data. A CD–ROM that accompanies the book provided scripts to build the model in Oracle very quickly. We then began mapping all of our detailed data types to the enterprise model and, voila, we could find a place for all of those various spellings and misspellings of Account Number.

Volume 2 of this revised edition provided even more exciting features: models of industry–specific data. I began to see interesting patterns that permeated this volume. For example, a reservation is a reservation, whether you′re an airline, a restaurant, or a hotel. (We even have something similar in the oil industry––the allocation.)

Another concept from the book that has changed my thinking and vocabulary is the word "party." I recently managed a project in which an employee could also function as a customer and as an on–line computer user. The team was in disagreement regarding a name for this entity; but after checking The Data Model Resource Book, we realized that here we had a party playing three roles.

Whether your job is to jump–start a data warehouse project or borrow ideas for any subject area in your next operational database, I highly recommend The Data Model Resource Books, Revised Edition, Volumes 1 and 2 as your bible for design."––Ted Kowalski Data Architect, Equilon Enterprises LLC Author of Opening Doors: A Facilitator′s Handbook