Data Modeling Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Business and IT Professionals

by Steve Hoberman

Data Modeling Made Simple will provide the business or IT professional with a
practical working knowledge of data modeling concepts and best practices. This
book is written in a conversational style that encourages you to read it from
start to finish and master these ten objectives:
Know when a data model is needed and which type of data model is most effective
for each situation
Read a data model of any size and complexity with the same confidence as reading
a book
Build a fully normalized relational data model, as well as an easily navigatable
dimensional model
Apply techniques to turn a logical data model into an efficient physical design
Leverage several templates to make requirements gathering more efficient and
accurate
Explain all ten categories of the Data Model Scorecard
Learn strategies to improve your working relationships with others
Appreciate the impact unstructured data has, and will have, on our data modeling
deliverables
Learn basic UML concepts
Put data modeling in context with XML, metadata, and agile development




This book begins like a Dan Brown novel. It even starts out
with the protagonist, our favorite data modeler, lost on a dark road somewhere
in France. In this case, what saves him isn't a cipher, but of all things,
something that's very much like a data model in the form of a map! The author
deems they are both way-finding tools.

The chapters in the book are divided into 5 sections. The chapters in each
section end with an exercise and a list of the key points covered to reinforce
what you've learned. I find myself comparing the teaching structure of the book
to the way most of us learn to swim.

SECTION I: Data Modeling Introduction

The first section is like the shallow end of the pool,
where as a beginning swimmer, you can dip your toes in to test the water. These
easy chapters are short and concise. Here the author uses very common objects to
describe what a data model is, and why it is so valuable. His first examples
made excellent use of what's truly a universal data model to millions of
computer users in school and business: the spreadsheet. 

SECTION II: Data Model Components

In the second section, Steve Hoberman introduces you to the
simplest components that make up a data model, and explains the important terms
that we apply when we discuss them. By the end of section 2, you now have both
feet comfortably in the water. You're ready and eager to plunge deeper into the
depths of this pool of data model knowledge.

SECTION III: Subject Area, Logical, and Physical Data
Models

You've made it to the deep end of the pool where you get a
real workout as you lap through the 3 levels of data models: subject area (or
conceptual), logical, and physical. Just as there are different strokes for
different folks, there are different models for different audiences. By the end
of section 3, you'll be able to swim through the intricacies of a data model
like a barracuda.

Genres: Technology, Technical, Engineering, Programming

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 11, 2005

Reviews

[Raymond Goss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Data Modeling Made Simple started off a bit slow. I was too bored with the beginning of the book, reading only a few pages each month then setting back down. Eventually, I got interested in it again. the second half is better than the first. I finished the second half (Ch 11-16) in just a few days. Years ago, I used to teach relational database table design and currently working as a data architect. I don't know if I really learned any major skills, but I liked the section on quality and templates. There is a few other pieces of information that I will be able to use as reference or justify how to improve projects. I think the book is best for managers and new architects who need to map business processes to data models. Several of the "co-authors" have more detailed books on specific topics.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an excellent introduction to data modeling. There are plenty of examples to illustrates the concepts followed with exercises at the end of each chapter so you can test your knowledge.

[Solomon Xie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I assume that’s a good introduction book for beginners if he doesn’t know anything about programming or databases. Basically it’s describing database data models in human words without involving any technologies.

[Sara Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice and simple introduction to data modeling with easy to follow examples

[Sireesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very basic book.

[Jan Ingemansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an introduction to datamodeling and as such very good. It is not an easy subject and therefore not an easy read, but Steve Hoberman does a good job of explaining all the concepts through well thought out examples.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and, unlike many books in this area, rather simple to follow. A good refresher for one out of the formal modeling area for a while.