ABSTRACT
This chapter proposes that the corporate information factory be extended to include a construct called the foundation data store (FDS). It defines the foundation data store, describes how it fits into the corporate information factory, and suggests that possible implementation approaches. Some organizations implement reference files/databases for foundation data. The foundation data store is a mechanism to formalize this practice into an architectural construct like the operational data store and data warehouse. Consolidated reference is a valid short-term strategy for organizations with urgent data warehousing project commitments and limited resources. A long-term solution to operational data problems, however, would be to implement the central foundation data store, which is the official source for the foundation data. An organization must choose the most appropriate implementation strategy based on its own context and situation. Although various factors influence FDS implementation in an organization, the solution depends on the organizational structure, number of database platforms, number of geographic locations, and volume of data.
