1. Introduction and Executive Summary (3WXI)
The Data Reference Model (DRM) is one of the five reference models of the Federal Enterprise Architecture (FEA). The DRM is a framework whose primary purpose is to enable information sharing and reuse across the federal government via the standard description and discovery of common data and the promotion of uniform data management practices. The DRM describes artifacts which can be generated from the data architectures of federal government agencies. The DRM provides a flexible and standards-based approach to accomplish its purpose. The scope of the DRM is broad, as it may be applied within a single agency, within a Community of Interest (COI)[1] , or cross-COI. (3YN6)
The DRM provides a standard means by which data may be described, categorized, and shared. These are reflected within each of the DRM’s three standardization areas: (3WXJ)
- Data Description: Provides a means to uniformly describe data, thereby supporting its discovery and sharing. (3WXK)
- Data Context: Facilitates discovery of data through an approach to the categorization of data according to taxonomies. Additionally, enables the definition of authoritative data assets within a COI. (3WXL)
- Data Sharing: Supports the access and exchange of data where access consists of ad-hoc requests (such as a query of a data asset), and exchange consists of fixed, re-occurring transactions between parties. Enabled by capabilities provided by both the Data Context and Data Description standardization areas. (3YN7)
As a reference model, the DRM is presented as an abstract framework from which concrete implementations may be derived. The DRM’s abstract nature will enable agencies to use multiple implementation approaches, methodologies and technologies while remaining consistent with the foundational principles of the DRM. (3WXM)
The following chapters and appendices are included in this specification: (3WXN)
- Chapter 2 - Overview of the DRM: Provides a brief overview of the DRM, its value to federal agencies, a summary of the DRM standardization areas, and more. (3WXO)
- Chapter 3 - Data Description: Describes the Data Description standardization area of the DRM. (3WXP)
- Chapter 4 - Data Context: Describes the Data Context standardization area of the DRM. (3WXQ)
- Chapter 5 - Data Sharing: Describes the Data Sharing standardization area of the DRM. (3WXR)
- Chapter 6 – Abstract Model: Provides a consolidated view of the DRM Abstract Model. (3WXS)
- Appendix A: Glossary of Selected Terms. (3WXT)
[1] Communities of Interest are collaborative groups of user who require a shared vocabulary to exchange information to in pursuit of common goals, interests, and business objectives. (3YHJ)