Data governance strategy

U.S. data protection laws fall short in the age of big data

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Security of big data fashions a whole new look with GDPR

As data managers scramble to protect their precious lakes of washed and unwashed data from the evils of hacking, malware, ransomware and botnets, there comes a privacy regulation of European Union origin that could change the way many U.S. companies protect their data from inside and outside forces. For some U.S. companies doing business in Europe and preparing for compliance, the EU's General Data Protection Regulation could be a well-intended enforcer of better data governance practices. But for businesses forced to change their old data protection habits, GDPR can be a four-letter word.

The April issue of Business Information opens with our editor's note and historical insights into the fundamental differences in attitude between the U.S. and Europe when it comes to protecting the data privacy of customers. As data breaches mount, however, the U.S. government -- willing or not -- may have to take steps beyond current regulations to ensure companies increase their security of big data.

Along those lines, our cover story examines some GDPR rules that can directly impact U.S. companies doing business overseas and, in the process, their data governance and ethics procedures. With the noted lack of maturity in data governance and security tools, we see in another feature how IT teams are addressing data security issues upfront in do-it-yourself ways when deploying big data systems.

Also in this issue, a GDPR compliance expert advises data managers on the best ways to prepare for a regulation that puts more control of information in the hands of users, the internet of things and edge computing could be compromising the security of big data and surveys show that companies place data protection among the top reasons for escalating their security spending.

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GDPR requirements put focus on data ethics, governance

The General Data Protection Regulation makes privacy paramount and reinforces the practice of good data governance. Will a new focus on data ethics be an important side effect? Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

U.S. data protection laws fall short in the age of big data

Data breaches and a history of data abuse led the EU to adopt GDPR, but it might take massive scale data security crises for the U.S. to legislate similar data protection laws. Continue Reading

By

• Bridget Botelho, Editorial Director, News

IT teams take big data security issues into their own hands

Data security needs to be addressed upfront in deployments of big data systems -- and users are likely to find they have to build some security capabilities themselves. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Stedman, Industry Editor

Information architecture applied to big data streaming, AI

New technologies challenge data professionals, but taking a step back helps with hurdles. In this interview, consultant William McKnight takes a measured look at data streaming, GDPR and AI. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

Cloud workloads, data lakes challenge information architecture

Data management options are expanding; cloud workloads are an example. That means changing your approach to information architecture, says data management expert William McKnight. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

GDPR mandates push data quality improvement into IT spotlight

Data quality issues cost companies significant amounts of money in lost revenue and added expenses, and their impact will only get bigger when the EU starts enforcing its GDPR law. Continue Reading

By

• Andy Hayler, Information Difference

IT, others focus efforts as GDPR implementation date looms

The EU's General Data Protection Regulation is meant to bring better data privacy to bear in the age of big data. How GDPR implementation will proceed remains to be seen. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

What does the GDPR definition of personal data include?

The definition of personal data in the EU's GDPR data protection rules is broad enough to include any type of data that can be used to directly or indirectly identify a person. Continue Reading

By

• Bridget Botelho, Editorial Director, News

Data expert: GDPR deadline is an opportunity, not a burden

There is stress as the EU's General Data Protection Regulation compliance deadline nears, but the GDPR privacy movement is a good thing for data policies, advises consultant Daragh O Brien. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

Data catalog software takes open data initiative to the streets

Data catalog software from Alation helped San Diego's chief data officer open up the city's data to residents, as well as city planners and other government workers. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

British Army enhances data-driven decision making to staunch churn

The British Army is continuing to use SAS analytics software to improve its data management, with a particular focus on reducing high-value personnel churn Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Chief data officer jobs call for nurturing data ethos in companies

In many organizations, chief data officer jobs centered on defense against risk are giving way to ones emphasizing innovation. To do so, CDOs must nurture a data culture, MIT panelists said. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

Quiz: What's your IQ on data lake implementation and management?

A data lake can provide lots of analytics value to an organization. This quiz can tell you if you know what it takes to deploy and manage one; it also contains info to help boost your knowledge. Continue Reading

By

• Tréa Lavery, Editorial Assistant

Silicon Valley startups aim to make big data capture and prep slicker

A group of California-based startup and early-stage data analytics and management companies are bidding to make big data, including sensor data, more tractable for analysis Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

How to determine which data governance tool best meets your needs

This buyer's guide provides insights to help you determine if your organization could benefit from data governance software and how to navigate the buying process. Continue Reading

Examining the top data governance tools on the market

Expert John Ladley examines the leading data governance software products, comparing and contrasting their features to help you determine which tool will best meet your needs. Continue Reading

By

• John Ladley

How to narrow down your choices for buying a data governance tool

Evaluating and selecting a data governance tool depends on not only features and functionality, but also how you will use the tool to add value to your organization. Continue Reading

By

• John Ladley

Data quality metrics a governance must, managers say

Data governance managers who spoke during an online conference said that tracking business-oriented metrics on data quality improvement is a key to success in governance efforts. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Stedman, Industry Editor

How to identify master data in a multi-domain MDM program

In an excerpt from their book on managing multi-domain master data management programs, Mark Allen and Dalton Cervo explain how to identify MDM domains and your master data. Continue Reading

By

• Mark Allen and Dalton Cervo

Seven best practices to boost big data governance efforts

Governing big data is much like governing other data, though businesses must adjust governance processes to accommodate larger, more varied data sets. Continue Reading

By

• Anne Marie Smith, Ph.D., Alabama Yankee Systems, LLC

Big data charge could turn data management profession on its head

Discussed at DAMA's EDW 2014 were more flexible approaches to the data management profession. That's in response to growing mountains of diverse data. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Vaughan

Building an effective data governance framework

This essential guide examines data governance and data stewardship from various angles, outlining best practices and answers to common challenges. Continue Reading

Quiz: Improving your data governance and data stewardship program

Do you know what it takes for an effective data governance structure to take root in an organization? Take this quiz and find out. Continue Reading

By

• Melanie Luna, TechTarget

Data steward role needs some shepherding itself

Consultant David Loshin gives suggestions for building and managing a data stewardship program that can effectively support data governance. Continue Reading

By

• David Loshin, Knowledge Integrity Inc.

Big data adds new complications for data stewards

In order to accommodate big data and the needs of data scientists, data stewards will need to adjust to a more short-term view of data stewardship. Continue Reading

By

• Beth Stackpole

Data governance tools: Part, but not all, of the governance puzzle

While tools designed for data governance are helpful, organizations must also implement best practices and standard processes to be effective. Continue Reading

By

• David Loshin, Knowledge Integrity Inc.

Enterprise data quality efforts in good company with MDM, governance

Combining data quality initiatives with master data management and data governance programs can help ensure that data remains accurate and consistent. Continue Reading

By

• Alan R. Earls

British Army data quality programme tackles ‘whole army’ concept

The British Army’s data quality programme faces a challenge with moves to unify regular and territorial soldiers into one force Continue Reading

By

• Brian McKenna, Enterprise Applications Editor

Informatica looks up, despite down year in 2012

TechTarget's Wayne Eckerson reflects on Informatica after briefings with company execs. His take: It's poised to join the ranks of elite vendors. Continue Reading

Make communication, purpose priorities in a data governance program

Data governance can be all bureaucracy and no benefit. To avoid that, managing the process effectively is a must, says consultant Danette McGilvray. Continue Reading

By

• Craig Stedman, Industry Editor

Mission impossible? Data governance process takes on 'big data'

Effective governance can help companies get the most out of their "big data" environments. But at this point, there's no formula for how to do that. Continue Reading

By

• Roger du Mars, Contributor

IBM users reveal five data governance best practices to remember

IBM customers Nationwide Insurance and Cardinal Health reveal five rules of thumb they learned while implementing highly ambitious data governance programs. Continue Reading

By

• Mark Brunelli

Data governance programs expose hills to climb on path to success

IT professionals from Sallie Mae and Fannie Mae offered insight on data governance challenges and tips on how to overcome them in separate sessions at two recent conferences. Continue Reading

By

• Mark Brunelli

Top six data management software stories of 2011

From the rise of "big data" to office politics hampering MDM projects to Hewlett-Packard giving Neoview the ax, and more, there were plenty of notable data management stories in 2011. Continue Reading

Customer service is from Venus, data quality is from Mars

How can the two talk to one another? Forrester has a few ideas and some advice to get customer service on board with data quality and vice versa. Continue Reading

A must to avoid: Worst practices in enterprise data governance

Consultant Rick Sherman details 10 common data governance mistakes that can send governance initiatives down the wrong path – the one to failure. Continue Reading

By

• Rick Sherman, Athena Solutions

Sallie Mae exec: Meetings, metrics spur data governance best practices

In an interview, Michele Koch discusses the data governance program she leads at Sallie Mae and provides insight on key governance best practices. Continue Reading

By

• Mark Brunelli

How to get senior execs to buy into a data governance plan

Learn how to get senior management to buy into data governance. Get tips on selling data governance policies and processes to executives who can approve data governance programs. Continue Reading

By

• David Loshin, Knowledge Integrity Inc.

Top seven data management stories of 2010

The top data management stories of 2010 include SaaS-based data integration, data warehouse appliances, the SAP-Sybase acquisition and more. Continue Reading

By

• Justin Aucoin, Associate Site Editor

Data governance roles and responsibilities call for diverse skill sets

Learn about data governance roles and responsibilities, and get advice on the management and technical skills that a successful data governance strategy and program requires. Continue Reading

By

• Gwen Thomas

Increase the success of data governance programs from the bottom up

Data governance programs are often overlooked, pushed aside and just plain ignored through a lack of executive interest and funding. But some technology professionals are making the most of the situation. Continue Reading

By

• Mark Brunelli

Voices of CRM: Jill Dyché on managing customer data, social networks

Jill Dyché, an expert on both data management and CRM, shares her advice on managing customer data, social networks and MDM/CDI in this podcast. Continue Reading

Data governance: Information ownership policies and roles explained

Who owns the data? This chapter defines information ownership boundaries and best practices, and outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of all involved in the battle for data governance. Continue Reading