I now know of two global insurance companies who started their digital initiatives by trying to define a global, canonical data model, so I guess my two-year-old blog post is still relevant: innoq.com/en/blog/thoughts-o… TL;DR: You don’t want to do that.

Why You Should Avoid a Canonical Data Model

As an enterprise architect, you might be tempted to strive for a canonical data model for your systems’ interfaces. That’s not a good idea.

innoq.com
16
145
21
237
In my opinion the conclusion is not so easy. Maybe large companies tend to be inwardly ill, so what you describe is more a phenomenon than the cause. And if so CDMs are not that bad in sane environments ;)
1
Replying to @Fullzilla @martinfowler
Sure, this is just my experience, and some commenters indeed claim to have had success. Many more agree, though, so I choose to remain skeptical

Nov 9, 2017 · 6:09 AM UTC

1
Replying to @stilkov @martinfowler
I share your experience and observation as well. However, I believe in the concept of CDM and try to figure out the right environmental parameters where CDMs could be benefitial for all participants. In my opinion clear responsibilities in organisations are one crucial parameter.