Data Modeling Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Business & IT Professionals

by Steve Hoberman

Ever have a bad data day? If you're a business user, architect, analyst, designer or developer, then you've probably had some bad data days. It comes with the territory. Overcoming these problems is much easier if you have an in-depth understanding of the actual data. That's where a data model comes in handy. It's a diagram that uses text and symbols to represent groupings of data, giving you a clear picture of your business and application environment. Data Modeling Made Simple provides the tools you need to read, create and validate models of your business and applications. This book contains everything about modeling you need to know but were too afraid to ask, such - What are the traditional and nontraditional uses of a data model? - How do subject area, logical, and physical data models differ? - When do I build a BSAM, ASAM, or CSAM? - What is the easiest way to apply normalization? - Where can I best leverage abstraction? - How do I decide whether to use denormalization or dimensionality? - What are primary, foreign, alternate, virtual, and surrogate keys? - What is the best approach to building the models? - How can I use the Scorecard system to validate a data model? Plus over 30 exercises to reinforce concepts and sharpen your skills! "What a great book—and a fun read too! Steve has captured the essence of data modeling and made it simple. For those who are not data modelers but need to work with them, this book is an excellent primer. For those who model data occasionally but not routinely, it is an invaluable quick reference. And for those of us who are experienced (and incorrigible) data modelers, Data Modeling Made Simple is a terrific reminder that we really can keep it simple!" David Wells, Director of Education, Data Warehousing Institute "An excellent introduction from someone who knows his subject and knows how to teach it" Graeme Simsion, University of Melbourne “Data Modeling Made Simple is a must read for all professionals new to data modeling as well as those that want to ‘speak the language’ and understand the concepts. Steve writes as though he is right there with you, walking you through the terminology, explaining the symbols, and telling you what you should consider doing before, during and after you have modeled your data.” Robert S. Seiner, President, KIK Consulting & Educational Services, LLC and Publisher of The Data Administration Newsletter, tdan.com “Data Modeling Made Simple is an excellent training guide for anyone entering the data modeling field. Steve Hoberman takes the fundamental concepts of data modeling and presents them in an easy to understand and entertaining manner that I’m sure you will find valuable.” David Marco, President, EWSolutions “How does one who is not a formally trained ‘data modeler’ understand the basics of data modeling? Steve Hoberman has created an informative, fun, easy to follow, and practical book sharing data modeling concepts which are essential for any professional involved in information technology. Mr. Hoberman clearly answers key questions behind the what, why and how of data modeling and reinforces the explanations with appropriate examples, analogies and exercises.” Len Silverston, Best-Selling Author of The Data Model Resource Book, Volumes 1 and 2

Genres: Technology, Technical, Engineering, Programming

134 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2005

Reviews

[Raymond Goss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Data Modeling Made Simple started off a bit slow. I was too bored with the beginning of the book, reading only a few pages each month then setting back down. Eventually, I got interested in it again. the second half is better than the first. I finished the second half (Ch 11-16) in just a few days. Years ago, I used to teach relational database table design and currently working as a data architect. I don't know if I really learned any major skills, but I liked the section on quality and templates. There is a few other pieces of information that I will be able to use as reference or justify how to improve projects. I think the book is best for managers and new architects who need to map business processes to data models. Several of the "co-authors" have more detailed books on specific topics.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an excellent introduction to data modeling. There are plenty of examples to illustrates the concepts followed with exercises at the end of each chapter so you can test your knowledge.

[Solomon Xie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I assume that’s a good introduction book for beginners if he doesn’t know anything about programming or databases. Basically it’s describing database data models in human words without involving any technologies.

[Sara Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and simple introduction to data modeling with easy to follow examples

[Sireesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic book.

[Jan Ingemansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introduction to datamodeling and as such very good. It is not an easy subject and therefore not an easy read, but Steve Hoberman does a good job of explaining all the concepts through well thought out examples.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and, unlike many books in this area, rather simple to follow. A good refresher for one out of the formal modeling area for a while.