Architecture Design

Daman helps ensure the success of our data management and business intelligence solutions with a proven approach to architecture design. Our process begins with in-depth architecture discovery and includes detailed planning for information, technical and product architecture.

Both business and technical factors are considered in the design process, along with other factors such as cultural implications and constraints related to the solution. The result is a custom-tailored solution designed to provide:

• The right data in terms of subject matter, dimensionality and granularity.
• The right content based on consistent and reliable data.
• The right form so that all data is structured, formatted and packaged properly.
• The right location ensuring ready access and proper distribution of data.
• The right time so that data is available or delivered in the desired frequency.

In-depth architecture discovery

Daman’s architecture discovery is intended to gain a broad and rich understanding of the current architecture from multiple perspectives. Daman professionals carefully examine shared design standards and the context of existing application systems, related or interdependent systems and departmental solutions. They also review the context of major corporate databases and independent data repositories.

Business intelligence and analytic products (or home-grown solutions) are also evaluated, along with other technology such as data loaders and extractors, middleware and communication protocols. Finally, an overall survey of the infrastructure is conducted, including computer platforms and sites, network components and topology, bandwidth and other elements.

Architecture design

Based on findings from the architecture discovery phase, we then develop an informed approach to the solution’s architecture design. Based on proven principles, the design encompasses three key areas of enterprise data architecture:

Information Architecture, including a framework for managing the usage, meaning, structure, and movement of data within the enterprise. Daman professionals can propose new ways to improve how data moves through the business. This framework also formalizes agreed-upon practices for data acquisition, data design, data delivery, and information access.

Technical Architecture, providing the component strategy for the development and operations infrastructure as well as the access and analysis tool kit. For instance, the statement “the environment needs a middleware solution” is expanded in two ways. First of all, Daman professionals create a more detailed statement of the role of the component in the overall architecture. Secondly, they develop specific feature/function requirements that accurately define the needed component. The overall goal is to define an optimal component strategy that is independent of specific technologies and focused only on required functionality.

An important aspect of Technical Architecture is the Incremental Investment Plan or the plan for a phased acquisition and roll out of recommended components.

Product Architecture, outlining the specific technologies that map onto the Technical Architecture. For component categories to be added — or where existing technology needs to be replaced — Daman professionals will define a short list of recommendations for vendors in all appropriate component categories. On occasion a build vs. buy recommendation may be made. If the latter, specifications for proof of concept (POC) trials are provided.