IBM InfoSphere Data Architect

Unlock the mystery of your existing data sources
InfoSphere Data Architect discovers the structure of heterogeneous data sources by examining and analyzing the underlying metadata. Using an established Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) connection to the data sources, InfoSphere Data Architect explores their structures using native queries. With the user interface, users can easily browse through the hierarchy of data elements, facilitating an understanding of detailed properties for every element.

Easily develop data models in a heterogeneous data environment
InfoSphere Data Architect can create logical, physical, and domain models for DB2, Informix Dynamic Server, Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL, and Teradata. Elements from logical and physical data models can be visually represented in diagrams using Information Engineering (IE) notation. Alternatively, physical data model diagrams can use the Unified Modeling Language (UML) notation. InfoSphere Data Architect enables data professionals to create physical data models from scratch, from logical models using transformation or from the database using reverse engineering.

Jumpstart integration design projects
Use InfoSphere Data Architect to design business intelligence, master data management, or SOA projects and use with InfoSphere offerings. Use with IBM Industry Models to leverage years of IBM industry experience

Manage iterative changes
Most development projects are iterative in nature, so it is important to be able to design incrementally and manage changes and their impact seamlessly. InfoSphere Data Architect allows users to do just that. Impact analysis lists all of the dependencies on the selected data elements. Advanced synchronization technology compares two models, model to database or two databases. Changes can then be promoted within and across data models and data sources. Use with Optim Database Administrator to manage complex DB2 changes and data migrations without disruption.

Implement corporate standards
InfoSphere Data Architect enables architects to define and implement standards that increase data quality and enterprise consistency for naming, meaning, values, relationships, privileges, privacy, and traceability. Define standards once and associate them with diverse models and databases. Built-in, extensible, rules-driven analysis verifies compliance to naming, syntax, normalization, and best practices standards for both models and databases.

Facilitate cross-team alignment
Whether you are working on a small team where each member plays multiple roles or in a large distributed team with clearer delineation of responsibilities, you can use InfoSphere Data Architect as plug-in function to a shared Eclipse instance or share artifacts through standard configuration management repositories like Rational Clear Case or Concurrent Versions System (CVS).

InfoSphere Data Architect supports model-driven design by built-in integration with:

• InfoSphere Business Glossary for sharing enterprise glossaries across business and IT

• Rational RequisitePro for traceability of model artifacts to business requirements

• Telelogic System Architect for linking enterprise and data architecture

• Rational Software Architect for synching up application and information design

• WebSphere Business Modeler for transforming data models to XSDs for business processes

Support data lifecycle management
Architects, developers, and DBAs can co-install InfoSphere Data Architect with Optim Development Studio and Optim Database Administrator for a seamless design, development, and deployment experience. Define privacy policies once and feed downstream processes to accelerate enterprise consistency in governing data privacy across test environments. InfoSphere Data Architect and Optim Development Studio now both can generate test data specifications for Optim Test Data Management and Data Privacy Solutions that leverage privacy models defined in InfoSphere Data Architect.

Import/export for easy transition
InfoSphere Data Architect can import and export models from CA AllFusion ERwin, Sybase PowerDesigner, IBM Rational Rose®, and a wide range of additional metadata sources and targets. Logical and physical data models are supported during this interchange. Or just reverse engineer current models from live database connections.