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Fundamentals of Metadata Management: Uncover the Meta Grid and Unlock IT, Data, Information, and Knowledge Management
Whether it's to adhere to regulations, access markets by meeting specific standards, or devise data analytics and AI strategies, companies today are busy implementing metadata repositories—metadata tools about the IT, data, information, and knowledge in your company. Until now, most of these repositories have been implemented in isolation from one another, but that practice lies at the core of problems with data management in many companies today.
Author Ole Olesen-Bagneux, chief evangelist at Actian, shows you how to masterfully manage your metadata repositories by properly coordinating them. That requires a data discovery team to increase insights for all key players in enterprise data management, from the CIO and CDO to enterprise and data architects. Coordinating these repositories will help you and your organization democratize data and excel at data management.
This book shows you how.
Learn what metadata repositories are and what they doExplore which data to represent in these repositoriesSet up a data discovery team to make data searchableLearn how to manage and coordinate repositories in a meta gridIncrease innovation by setting up a functional data marketplaceMake information security and data protection more robust Gain a deeper understanding of your company IT landscapeActivate real enterprise architecture based on evidence
Author Ole Olesen-Bagneux, chief evangelist at Actian, shows you how to masterfully manage your metadata repositories by properly coordinating them. That requires a data discovery team to increase insights for all key players in enterprise data management, from the CIO and CDO to enterprise and data architects. Coordinating these repositories will help you and your organization democratize data and excel at data management.
This book shows you how.
Learn what metadata repositories are and what they doExplore which data to represent in these repositoriesSet up a data discovery team to make data searchableLearn how to manage and coordinate repositories in a meta gridIncrease innovation by setting up a functional data marketplaceMake information security and data protection more robust Gain a deeper understanding of your company IT landscapeActivate real enterprise architecture based on evidence
247 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 9, 2025
Book review: "Fundamentals of Metadata Management" by Ole Olesen-Bagneux
Metadata is often summarised as 'data about data', but in "Fundamentals of Metadata Management", Ole Olesen-Bagneux shows why this view is too narrow. Metadata extends well beyond the semantic layer employed in analytics platforms. While the semantic layer focuses on creating a consistent vocabulary for reporting and business intelligence (BI), metadata management encompasses IT systems, processes, information and even organisational knowledge. The real problem that companies face is not the absence of metadata repositories, but rather that they have too many: fragmented, overlapping and rarely aligned.
What is good about the book is its practical approach. Olesen-Bagneux moves beyond the theory of metadata to focus on real-world issues, such as the multiple, conflicting 'truths' about the IT landscape that every enterprise struggles with. His proposed solutions — the Data Discovery Team, a cross-functional unit designed to coordinate metadata across silos, and the Meta Grid, a decentralised architecture inspired by microservices and data mesh — offer technical leaders a pragmatic way to strengthen governance, reduce duplication and enable innovation.
Readers should also be clear about what not to expect. This is neither a catalogue of metadata standards nor a detailed guide to formats such as XML, JSON, or RDF. Nor is it an attempt to replace the semantic layer with another 'single source of truth'. Instead, the book argues for coordination and contextualisation, helping organisations to connect repositories rather than standardising them into one monolithic model.
The message is clear: a shift in metadata management is needed. The problem is not a lack of metadata, but rather that it is scattered across silos. By connecting repositories through dedicated teams and decentralised architectures, companies can finally gain a resilient, holistic view of their IT landscape. For professionals navigating the intersection of data management, semantic layers and enterprise architecture, this book offers a thoughtful and forward-looking guide.
Metadata is often summarised as 'data about data', but in "Fundamentals of Metadata Management", Ole Olesen-Bagneux shows why this view is too narrow. Metadata extends well beyond the semantic layer employed in analytics platforms. While the semantic layer focuses on creating a consistent vocabulary for reporting and business intelligence (BI), metadata management encompasses IT systems, processes, information and even organisational knowledge. The real problem that companies face is not the absence of metadata repositories, but rather that they have too many: fragmented, overlapping and rarely aligned.
What is good about the book is its practical approach. Olesen-Bagneux moves beyond the theory of metadata to focus on real-world issues, such as the multiple, conflicting 'truths' about the IT landscape that every enterprise struggles with. His proposed solutions — the Data Discovery Team, a cross-functional unit designed to coordinate metadata across silos, and the Meta Grid, a decentralised architecture inspired by microservices and data mesh — offer technical leaders a pragmatic way to strengthen governance, reduce duplication and enable innovation.
Readers should also be clear about what not to expect. This is neither a catalogue of metadata standards nor a detailed guide to formats such as XML, JSON, or RDF. Nor is it an attempt to replace the semantic layer with another 'single source of truth'. Instead, the book argues for coordination and contextualisation, helping organisations to connect repositories rather than standardising them into one monolithic model.
The message is clear: a shift in metadata management is needed. The problem is not a lack of metadata, but rather that it is scattered across silos. By connecting repositories through dedicated teams and decentralised architectures, companies can finally gain a resilient, holistic view of their IT landscape. For professionals navigating the intersection of data management, semantic layers and enterprise architecture, this book offers a thoughtful and forward-looking guide.
October 19, 2025
It was back in 2018 when I first began exploring metadata — the intriguing concept of “data about data.” My focus at the time was on electronic health records (EHR) data, where I quickly realized that metadata often originates from multiple sources, sometimes carrying overlapping or even conflicting meanings.
Reading Ole Olesen-Bagneux’s The Fundamentals of Metadata Management was refreshing because it brought structure and clarity to what can often feel like an abstract and fragmented field. Ole’s discussion of various metadata repositories and his systematic approach to understanding their interrelations resonated strongly with my own experiences.
While the underlying concept of metadata is straightforward, implementing effective metadata management is anything but simple. That’s where this book truly shines — it raises awareness and provides a well-structured framework that helps professionals from diverse backgrounds in information and computer sciences navigate the complexities involved.
This is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of the data scattered across different technological systems. Although the examples and focus may start within IT, the principles Ole outlines are universally applicable across any industry that operates within a complex technology landscape.
In short, The Fundamentals of Metadata Management transforms the abstract idea of “data about data” into an accessible and actionable discipline — an essential resource for today’s data-driven world.
Reading Ole Olesen-Bagneux’s The Fundamentals of Metadata Management was refreshing because it brought structure and clarity to what can often feel like an abstract and fragmented field. Ole’s discussion of various metadata repositories and his systematic approach to understanding their interrelations resonated strongly with my own experiences.
While the underlying concept of metadata is straightforward, implementing effective metadata management is anything but simple. That’s where this book truly shines — it raises awareness and provides a well-structured framework that helps professionals from diverse backgrounds in information and computer sciences navigate the complexities involved.
This is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of the data scattered across different technological systems. Although the examples and focus may start within IT, the principles Ole outlines are universally applicable across any industry that operates within a complex technology landscape.
In short, The Fundamentals of Metadata Management transforms the abstract idea of “data about data” into an accessible and actionable discipline — an essential resource for today’s data-driven world.
October 26, 2025
Fundamentals of Metadata Management places an interesting lens on the subject matter!
Main topics of the Book
- What is Metadata and where do we find it in an organization?
- How should teams in an organization come together to address metadata?
- What the concept of the Meta Grid is and what it isn’t
Whilst reading the book I found myself shifting between two states of mind.
1) This absolutely makes sense, I can really relate to it
2) This is too abstract and detached from reality and I'm not really understanding where it is going
However as time has passed, I came to the conclusion that I had the second state of mind because I have not experienced the business scenario/context the text is trying to address and therefore cannot relate to the underlying wisdom which is being imparted (I tend to find this to be the case when re-reading books a few years later).
The sections I found most engaging were the overview of the types of systems where valuable pockets of metadata can be found , together with the social construct of "the good, the bad and the ugly". It hints towards one of the reasons why organizations end up where they do with their data landscape. It also triggered another question for me. "What can we do to avoid it? What guardrails can we leverage?"
The book is not too heavy or lengthy, it is definitely worth a read!
Main topics of the Book
- What is Metadata and where do we find it in an organization?
- How should teams in an organization come together to address metadata?
- What the concept of the Meta Grid is and what it isn’t
Whilst reading the book I found myself shifting between two states of mind.
1) This absolutely makes sense, I can really relate to it
2) This is too abstract and detached from reality and I'm not really understanding where it is going
However as time has passed, I came to the conclusion that I had the second state of mind because I have not experienced the business scenario/context the text is trying to address and therefore cannot relate to the underlying wisdom which is being imparted (I tend to find this to be the case when re-reading books a few years later).
The sections I found most engaging were the overview of the types of systems where valuable pockets of metadata can be found , together with the social construct of "the good, the bad and the ugly". It hints towards one of the reasons why organizations end up where they do with their data landscape. It also triggered another question for me. "What can we do to avoid it? What guardrails can we leverage?"
The book is not too heavy or lengthy, it is definitely worth a read!
October 18, 2025
We cannot deny it, we all work with data in our daily work and thus also with metadata that describes this data from different user perspectives. Unfortunately in many situations this has grown historically into data islands with their own metadata repositories that can have overlap and that can conflict with each other. In practice this leads to serious challenges in our work activities when we try to discover, disclose, combine, use, process, govern and manage all this data in a coherent and consistent manner.
The meta grid is a decentralized architecture similar to micro services and data mesh that can help to uncover, unify and unleash the hidden potential that in many organizations is unused by bringing the metadata in different metadata repositories together in a pragmatic, coordinated approach with support from a dedicated data discovery team. A refreshing new way of thinking and working that makes use of the existing metadata repositories, which is clearly and concisely explained by Ole in this book. Highly recommended!!
The meta grid is a decentralized architecture similar to micro services and data mesh that can help to uncover, unify and unleash the hidden potential that in many organizations is unused by bringing the metadata in different metadata repositories together in a pragmatic, coordinated approach with support from a dedicated data discovery team. A refreshing new way of thinking and working that makes use of the existing metadata repositories, which is clearly and concisely explained by Ole in this book. Highly recommended!!
September 19, 2025
Ole Olesen-Bagneux’s Fundamentals of Metadata Management reframes metadata as the foundation for modern practices around data contracts and data products. Rather than proposing new standards, Ole shows how contracts evolved from integration repositories and should be treated as coordinated metadata artifacts, while his concept of the meta grid extends product thinking by turning fragmented repositories into composable, product-like units. Supported by a data discovery team, this approach aligns with data mesh principles, embeds governance by design, and makes metadata actionable for innovation and AI. The book’s real value lies in connecting historical practices with today’s product-oriented mindset, offering a pragmatic and holistic blueprint for enterprises navigating contracts, products, and decentralization.
I love Ole's style, the rich illustrations, and fluidity of the book. Great job!
I love Ole's style, the rich illustrations, and fluidity of the book. Great job!
October 13, 2025
How many times have you mapped your IT landscape, only to watch that map gather dust six months later?
The pattern is predictable: compliance needs visibility, so you map everything. Innovation project launches-another map. Operations initiative begins-same cycle repeats.
Ole Olesen-Bagneux's "Fundamentals of Metadata Management" book reframes this: "Metadata is defined not by what it is, but by where it exists."
Your ERP has metadata. Your CRM has metadata. Both describe the same enterprise reality, just shaped differently for their purposes. offers a way to break the cycle. The approach is pragmatic and non-invasive:
- Acknowledge metadata silos will always exist
- Build point-to-point connections where needed
- Elevate metadata from afterthought to strategic asset
My takeaway: it's time to treat metadata coordination as an internal capability.
Essential reading for anyone leading data organizations.
The pattern is predictable: compliance needs visibility, so you map everything. Innovation project launches-another map. Operations initiative begins-same cycle repeats.
Ole Olesen-Bagneux's "Fundamentals of Metadata Management" book reframes this: "Metadata is defined not by what it is, but by where it exists."
Your ERP has metadata. Your CRM has metadata. Both describe the same enterprise reality, just shaped differently for their purposes. offers a way to break the cycle. The approach is pragmatic and non-invasive:
- Acknowledge metadata silos will always exist
- Build point-to-point connections where needed
- Elevate metadata from afterthought to strategic asset
My takeaway: it's time to treat metadata coordination as an internal capability.
Essential reading for anyone leading data organizations.
October 12, 2025
Ole Olesen-Bagneux is a spearhead in the quest for unifying business + information + data + IT: Multiple, diverse platforms based on symbols, concepts, linguistics, rules, cognition and formal logic must be understood together. Together they participate in a Meta Grid. Think of that as an ecosystem of actors and suppliers much like biological systems. The front page animal of the book cover is a cuttle fish (octopus) which can change color, extend its arms to great lengths – catching other beings. And, yes, it does eat other animals, including other octopusses. Keeps the systems going and the meta data flowing to everybody in need! Unifying data into information and then knowledge according to business needs and platform requirements.
September 10, 2025
A practical and insightful guide to solving one of the biggest challenges in enterprise data management: fragmented metadata repositories. Instead of adding more tools, Ole makes a compelling case for coordinating existing repositories into a meta grid, unlocking democratized data access, stronger compliance, a functional data marketplace, and evidence-based enterprise architecture. What I appreciated most is the balance of technical depth with real-world application making it a valuable read not just for CIOs and CDOs, but for anyone working to break silos and turn data into a true enterprise asset.
September 19, 2025
Most books I’ve read in the data space focus on improving some model or re-arranging a framework. Rarely does someone offer a genuinely new way of looking at things but Fundamentals of Metadata Management is one of those rare exceptions.
This is the most comprehensive exploration of metadata management I’ve come across. It goes way beyond the usual territory of metadata as database structures, data models or glossary definitions.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone struggling to make sense of their company’s metadata landscape. After reading it, you won’t see metadata the same way anymore.
This is the most comprehensive exploration of metadata management I’ve come across. It goes way beyond the usual territory of metadata as database structures, data models or glossary definitions.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone struggling to make sense of their company’s metadata landscape. After reading it, you won’t see metadata the same way anymore.
September 18, 2025
This book is a refreshing and practical take on a topic that’s often seen as too technical—metadata. Ole Olesen-Bagneux breaks it down in a way that feels approachable and relevant, especially for anyone working with data in a business setting. Instead of treating metadata repositories as isolated tools, he shows how connecting them can unlock real value across the organization. The ideas around building a discovery team and creating a coordinated “meta grid” are not just smart—they’re actionable. A great read if you're looking to bring more structure and insight to your data efforts.
September 17, 2025
This mornings Labor Day reading is Ole Olesen-Bagneux's new "Fundamentals of Metadata Management". Maybe not as 'technical' as Perrin/Brodas "Implementing Data Mesh", but Ole is nailing the Enterprise/Governance/Strategy representation of the data management challenge.
Am only through Preface+Ch1, but as Strengholt did 'Data Engineering' Perrin/Brodas did 'Data Management', maybe this is Olesen-Bagneux doing 'Data Policy'?
Am only through Preface+Ch1, but as Strengholt did 'Data Engineering' Perrin/Brodas did 'Data Management', maybe this is Olesen-Bagneux doing 'Data Policy'?
September 10, 2025
Building on his earlier work, Ole takes metadata management to the next level with the concept of the Meta Grid. The book balances clear explanations of different metadata types with very practical, hands-on guidance. What stood out to me most were the human aspects around team behavior and collaboration - making it a must-read for anyone working with metadata today.
October 3, 2025
I love the concept but as Ole said himself "Whilst the technical solution architecture for the Meta Grid is simple, the organizational and intellectual understanding of the Grid is not. ". Read it, think about it and take action this is a journey - you won't get there today, or tomorrow or next year but it feels like a solution that could be worth the pain.
September 12, 2025
Just finished reading "Fundamentals of Metadata Management", and I found it very worthwhile and relevant to my team's work. The book gives an extensive (sometimes overwhelming) overview of metadata repositories used by large companies. It explains how they relate to each other and tie into the IT landscape. Probably because this is so extensive, it's no wonder that this is often implemented in silos, leading to the common problems like a lack of transparency, data quality issues, and missing connections that explain how things fit together.
The idea of having a cross-functional *Data Discovery Team* and first uncovering, then aiding / improving the existing *Metadata Grid* is interesting. Ole makes a point that you basically have to start from there, before you can even realistically go towards a technological solution. I think he's right. However, not every company takes such a holistic approach. In many cases, influence may only be possible from the bottom up. I would be interested in more practical tips and pointers on how to improve the organically grown, often chaotic metadata grid reality - maybe also just with a "coalition of the willing".
The book doesn't go much into technological solutions, it even states that the metadata grid is not a technology. But now with AI and companies that want to be data-driven, there is high value in bringing the most valuable metadata sources together in a way that is easy to consume, e.g. via Knowledge Graphs or Unified Metadata Repositories. But also: Aligning *everything* together into a single model and one technology is unrealistic, much less replacing and changing the many underlying sources and their domain focused models. It will be tricky and fun to find the right balances, a realistic working model and technologies to make it scale.
The idea of having a cross-functional *Data Discovery Team* and first uncovering, then aiding / improving the existing *Metadata Grid* is interesting. Ole makes a point that you basically have to start from there, before you can even realistically go towards a technological solution. I think he's right. However, not every company takes such a holistic approach. In many cases, influence may only be possible from the bottom up. I would be interested in more practical tips and pointers on how to improve the organically grown, often chaotic metadata grid reality - maybe also just with a "coalition of the willing".
The book doesn't go much into technological solutions, it even states that the metadata grid is not a technology. But now with AI and companies that want to be data-driven, there is high value in bringing the most valuable metadata sources together in a way that is easy to consume, e.g. via Knowledge Graphs or Unified Metadata Repositories. But also: Aligning *everything* together into a single model and one technology is unrealistic, much less replacing and changing the many underlying sources and their domain focused models. It will be tricky and fun to find the right balances, a realistic working model and technologies to make it scale.
October 2, 2025
I love this book. It starts with a pain point for a business that can be solved by reading the book. The author offers specific insights into a particular problem, making it extremely valuable from a business perspective. You can start a consulting business using the knowledge in this book.
Fantastic book with clear ideas for problems and solutions!
Fantastic book with clear ideas for problems and solutions!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews