March 6, 2007

3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Level: Intermediate

As interest in repository technologies continues to grow, many organizations are becoming interested in how best to approach the selection process. We have found that a "try before you buy" approach is very helpful. Organizations often take a somewhat by-the-book approach and designate – say 2007 – as "the year for studying our organizational metadata needs." The theory being that well understood organizational needs will better inform interactions with various repository vendors. This session suggests and describes an additional task – building a prototype repository that you can try out and gain experience with – as a compliment to the metadata study. Our experience has shown that organizations can benefit greatly from a weeklong intensive effort to build a "prototype" metadata repository. By picking an obviously useful area, building a "quick and dirty" repository, and implementing a plan to keep it current, organizations can greatly compliments the theoretical studies and are much better prepared for future repository related decisions.

Peter Aiken is an award-winning, internationally recognized thought leader in the area of organizational data architecture and engineering. As a practicing data manager, consultant, author and researcher, he has been actively performing and studying these areas for more than twenty-five years. His sixth book is titled XML in Data Management and is co-authored with David Allen. He has held leadership positions with the US Department of Defense and consulted with more than 50 organizations in 17 different counties.

Dr. Aiken's achievements have resulted in recognition in Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century and bibliographic entries in Who's Who of Emerging Leaders in America, Who's Who in Science and Engineering, and other recognitions. His entertaining but clear and concise insights make him a sought after speaker, lecturer and consultant. He is an Associate Professor in Virginia Commonwealth University's Information Systems Department and the Founding Director of datablueprint.com.