The Data Model Resource Book, Vol. 3: Universal Patterns for Data Modeling (Paperback)

~ Len Silverston (Author), Paul Agnew (Author)
Key Phrases: classification pattern, human resources database, building corporation, Contact Mechanism Pattern, Contextual Role Pattern, Sands Distribution (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This third volume of the best-selling "Data Model Resource Book" series revolutionizes the data modeling discipline by answering the question "How can you save significant time while improving the quality of any type of data modeling effort?" In contrast to the first two volumes, this new volume focuses on the fundamental, underlying patterns that affect over 50 percent of most data modeling efforts. These patterns can be used to considerably reduce modeling time and cost, to jump-start data modeling efforts, as standards and guidelines to increase data model consistency and quality, and as an objective source against which an enterprise can evaluate data models.

Praise for The Data Model Resource Book, Volume 3

"Len and Paul look beneath the superficial issues of data modeling and have produced a work that is a must for every serious designer and manager of an IT project."
—Bill Inmon, World-renowned expert, speaker, and author on data warehousing and widely recognized as the "father of data warehousing"

"The Data Model Resource Book, Volume 3: Universal Patterns for Data Modeling is a great source for reusable patterns you can use to save a tremendous amount of time, effort, and cost on any data modeling effort. Len Silverston and Paul Agnewhave provided an indispensable reference of very high-quality patterns for the most foundational types of datamodel structures. This book represents a revolutionary leap in moving the data modeling profession forward."
—Ron Powell, Cofounder and Editorial Director of the Business Intelligence Network

"After we model a Customer, Product, or Order, there is still more about each of these that remains to be captured, such as roles they play, classifications in which they belong, or states in which they change. The Data Model Resource Book, Volume 3: Universal Patterns for Data Modeling clearly illustrates these common structures. Len Silverston and Paul Agnew have created a valuable addition to our field, allowing us to improve the consistency and quality of our models by leveraging the many common structures within this text."
—Steve Hoberman, Best-Selling Author of Data Modeling Made Simple

"The large national health insurance company I work at has actively used these data patterns and the (Universal Data Models) UDM, ahead of this book, through Len Silverston’s UDM Jump Start engagement. The patterns have found their way into the core of our Enterprise Information Model, our data warehouse designs, and progressively into key business function databases. We are getting to reuse the patterns across projects and are reaping benefits in understanding, flexibility, and time-to-market. Thanks so much."
—David Chasteen, Enterprise Information Architect

"Reusing proven data modeling design patterns means exactly that. Data models become stable, but remain very flexible to accommodate changes. We have had the fortune of having Len and Paul share the patterns that are described in this book via our engagements with Universal Data Models, LLC. These data modeling design patterns have helped us to focus on the essential business issues because we have leveraged these reusable building blocks for many of the standard design problems. These design patterns have also helped us to evaluate the quality of data models for their intended purpose. Many times there are a lot of enhancements required. Too often the very specialized business-oriented data model is also implemented physically. This may have significant drawbacks to flexibility. I’m looking forward to increasing the data modeling design pattern competence within Nokia with the help of this book."
—Teemu Mattelmaki, Chief Information Architect, Nokia

"Once again, Len Silverston, this time together with Paul Agnew, has made a valuable contribution to the body of knowledge about datamodels, and the act of building sound data models. As a professional data modeler, and teacher of data modeling for almost three decades, I have always been aware that I had developed some familiar mental "patterns" which I acquired very early in my data modeling experience. When teaching data modeling, we use relatively simple workshops, but they are carefully designed so the students will see and acquire a lot of these basic "patterns" — templates that they will recognize and can use to interpret different subject matter into data model form quickly and easily. I’ve always used these patterns in the course of facilitating data modeling sessions; I was able to recognize "Ah, this is just like . . . ," and quickly apply a pattern that I’d seen before. But, in all this time, I’ve never sat down and clearly categorized and documented what each of these “patterns’’ actually was in such a way that they could be easily and clearly communicated to others; Len and Paul have done exactly that. As in the other Data Model Resource Books, the thinking and writing is extraordinarily clear and understandable. I personally would have been very proud to have authored this book, and I sincerely applaud Len and Paul for another great contribution to the art and science of data modeling. It will be of great value to any data modeler."
—William G. Smith, President, William G. Smith & Associates, www.williamgsmith.com

"Len Silverston and Paul Agnew’s book, Universal Patterns for Data Modeling, is essential reading for anyone undertaking commercial datamodeling. With this latest volume that compiles and insightfully describes fundamental, universal data patterns, The Data Model Resource Book series represents the most important contribution to the data modeling discipline in the last decade."
—Dr. Graeme Simsion, Author of Data Modeling Essentials and Data Modeling Theory and Practice

"Volume 3 of this trilogy is a most welcome addition to Len Silverston’s two previous books in this area. Guidance has existed for some time for those who desire to use pattern-based analysis to jump-start their data modeling efforts. Guidance exists for those who want to use generalized and industry-specific data constructs to leverage their efforts. What has been missing is guidance to those of us needing guidance to complete the roughly one-third of data models that are not generalized or industry-specific. This is where the magic of individual organizational strategies must manifest itself, and Len and Paul have done so clearly and articulately in a manner that complements the first two volumes of The Data Model Resource Book. By adding this book to Volumes 1 and 2 you will be gaining access to some of the most integrated data modeling guidance available on the planet."
—Dr. Peter Aiken, Author of XML in Data Management and data management industry leader VCU/Data Blueprint

From the Back Cover

"Universal Patterns for Data Modeling is essential reading for anyone undertaking commercial data modeling. The Data Model Resource Book series represents the most important contribution to the data modeling discipline in the last decade."
—Dr. Graeme Simsion, author of Data Modeling Essentials and Data Modeling Theory and Practice

This third volume of the bestselling Data Model Resource Book series revolutionizes the data modeling discipline by answering the question "How can you save significant time while improving the quality of any type of data modeling effort?" In contrast to the first two volumes, this new volume focuses on the fundamental, underlying patterns that affect over 50 percent of most data modeling efforts. These patterns can be used to considerably reduce modeling time and cost, to jump-start data modeling efforts, as standards and guidelines to increase data model consistency and quality, and as an objective source against which an enterprise can evaluate data models.

For each pattern, numerous alternatives are provided, ranging from very specific to very generalized ways of modeling. Len Silverston and Paul Agnew point out the pros and cons of these alternatives and provide guidelines to help you make appropriate decisions depending on the set of circumstances faced. In developing and documenting these patterns, the authors share an invaluable set of foundational tools for anyone involved in data modeling, from the novice to the expert. The authors show you how to:

• Model the most prevalent data modeling constructs such as ways to model roles, hierarchies, classifications, statuses, contact information, and business rules

• Re-use a powerful library of core patterns for data modeling

• Model at different levels of generalization

• Evaluate the pros and cons of specific versus generalized models

• Apply the patterns in many types of data modeling efforts, such as prototypes, applications, enterprise data models, data warehouses, and master data management efforts

• Gain buy-in regarding the use of patterns and/or standardizing on these patterns

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Product Details

• Paperback: 648 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; Volume 3 edition (January 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470178450
• ISBN-13: 978-0470178454
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #129,094 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Essential Resource for the Serious Data Modeler, February 28, 2009

By	C. Allen "Chuck Allen" (Raleigh, NC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

"Universal Patterns for Data Modeling" is the third volume in The Model Resource Book series.

In "Universal Patterns", authors and data modeling experts Len Silverston and Paul Agnew examine the recurring patterns that are essential for architects to understand in building and maintaining enterprise data models. The book covers key patterns, including those for party, role, hierarchy, classification, status, communications, and business rules.

Modeling methodology guides sometimes are overly prescriptive. However, a strength of the Silverston/Agnew book is that it recognizes that different organizations have different requirements. Each pattern is examined across four "levels." A level represents the degree of generality or specificity with which the particular pattern is implemented. Thus, there is no underlying "one-size-fits-all" assumption, but rather a framework for thinking about the relative tradeoffs in choosing the level of generality to match given business requirements.

Anyone with a serious interest in data modeling should have all three volumes on their bookshelf. However, Volumme 3, "Universal Patterns" is definitely the volume to start with if you have not already bought Volumes 1 and 2. I've joked with Len and Paul that Volume 3, is the "prequel." For those who are new to this series, start with Volume 3, then go on to Vol. 1 and 2.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Comprehensive Study of Key Data Model Patterns, February 18, 2009

By	Robert P. Hoeting (Mason, OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Unlike the world of Object Oriented programming, there are very few pattern books devoted to data modeling. This is unfortunate because most business applications suffer from over-specialization & inflexibility in the data model, where change is very expensive. The few data model patterns books that do exist do not explore the depths of subject to the extent that this book does.

Based on their many years of experience, Silverston & Agnew chose to focus on the most common areas of interest (Parties, Roles, Relationships, Statuses, Classifications, Contact Mechanisms, & Rules) and offer a set of data model pattens for each. Each area has a set of "pattern levels" ranging from specific to general, listing benefits, drawbacks, & usage guidelines for each. The modeler can choose which pattern level best suites the enterprise based on perceived needs.

This book can be thought of as the "gang of four" book for data modeling. I would recommend this book for anyone engaging in any form of data modeling. You may not use the exact patterns, but it will at least serve as a catalyst for future thought.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A developers point of view, February 26, 2009

By	George Kalavanos - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a developer, the databases I have to work with are sometimes thrust upon me. I've often felt that the inflexibility of the design limited the creativity of the developers forced to use them. This book gave me a good understanding of universal patterns that I could take advantage of when designing sub modules where I could control the DB design. It's a clear, straightforward resource that makes you think about how to improve your work immediately. 2 Chapters of particular interest to me were chapters 8 (Business Rules) and 10 (Socializing the patterns). The Socializing chapter was interesting, because you know there'll be someone who fights accepting a new idea on your team. This is not a chapter you usually see in a technical manual.

Don't assume that you can fly through this book (unless your very familiar with the concepts). It's worth the extra time to fully understand the notations laid out in the beginning and to get a good understanding of each chapter before moving on to the next. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get a better understanding of data modeling, particularly developers. If you don't understand it, you can't use it effectively.