Data Architecture or Governance of Enterprise Information

Data Architecture is one of the components of Enterprise Architecture. It focuses on the rules for managing and organizing data.

Be careful not to confuse defining data practices with their implementation, which is handled by more technical roles; nor with the Chief Data Officer, a leadership role responsible for all data-related matters across the organization.

The importance of a comprehensive, up-to-date Data Architecture is growing. Data is collected, transformed, stored, and exchanged at an ever-increasing pace.

As a result, data becomes a major and sensitive asset for many entities—businesses, organizations, or public institutions. It’s essential to ensure thorough data cataloging and functional segmentation by application domain, assigning clear ownership, processes, and responsibilities.

Furthermore, regulations for protecting personal data—such as GDPR in Europe (effective May 25, 2018) and CCPA in California (effective January 2020)—introduce new requirements.

In governance terms, Data Architecture establishes the guiding principles for data management as well as the typologies for implementation and usage.

It operates in close collaboration with functional stakeholders, development teams, infrastructure, security, and database specialists.

From a compliance perspective, the established rules ensure adherence to current regulations and auditability of access to sensitive data.

Regarding data quality, modeling, conversion, and transformation standards—combined with reference data usage—maintain consistency, semantic uniformity, clear asset identification, and assigned accountability.

Principles of Data Architecture

Principles introduced by Data Architecture cover:

• Geographic location of data: in which country, on which site, with which provider
• Physical storage: centralized or distributed (server, storage array, cloud service)
• Domain-based segmentation and decoupling of applications: placing data at the heart of functionality and ensuring each application is the authoritative source for its data
• Data access and permission management: security is top priority, and daily headlines about breaches underscore the crucial need for robust safeguards
• Business continuity processes: backup, replication, offsite storage—global 24/7 operations demand uninterrupted availability, marking the end of the era when applications shut down at 7 p.m. for maintenance

Data Architecture can be led by a Data Architect or fall under the responsibilities of an Enterprise Architect—or even an Application Architect—depending on the organization’s size and structure.

In summary, treating data as a primary asset and placing customer needs and security at the core drives company-wide awareness of sound data practices.

Moreover, by mastering its information landscape, the organization gains the flexibility and adaptability needed to thrive.

Beyond security, resilience is another critical benefit of Data Architecture, reassuring customers, partners, and market stakeholders.

In contexts of application modernization or digital transformation, comprehensive data mapping, controlled transformation, and systematic cleansing are essential.

• Governance
• Data Architecture
• Roles