Data Model Patterns: A Metadata Map

"In recent years, companies have come to realize that their data represents a signficant corporate resource--along with capital and people. But, until recently, companies have not had a means to manage that resource. That has changed. With the advent of data warehouses and other data management technology, management tools for resource management are now becoming available. One critical tool is the metadata repository, which contains the definitions of the company's systems as well as the things of significance to the business; the functions of the business, and the things that constrain it. How do you model a metadata repository for your business, down to the last detail? This book fills that market need." von Hay, David C.