Data Architecture: From Zen to Reality provides an introduction to the basic principles of data architecture, focusing on the development and implementation of enterprise-level information architecture. The book is organized into five sections. Section 1 discusses the data architecture and data design principles needed to reintroduce architecture into the business and software development process. Section 2 deals with the business and organizational issues of modern businesses and how structured and architected approaches may help them remain flexible and responsive. Section 3 focuses on the software-application development process, defining tools, techniques, and methods that ensure repeatable results. Section 4 discusses the artifact results of the process and the ways to make output products more efficient in real-world environments. Section 5 covers specialty databases and the various issues that arise in the business data processing environment, including data warehousing, objects and objects relational databases, and distributed databases. This book was written for people in business management involved with corporate data issues and information technology decisions. It is also a reference tool for those in a higher-level education process involved in data or information technology management. Presents fundamental concepts of enterprise architecture with definitions and real-world applications and scenariosTeaches data managers and planners about the challenges of building a data architecture roadmap, structuring the right team, and building a long term set of solutions Includes the detail needed to illustrate how the fundamental principles are used in current business practice