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Reference Data is a very important Topic for Database Specialists
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Reference Data is the kind of data that defines structures for other data found in a database.
It can often be recognised by the appearance of words like 'code' and 'type'.
Typical examples include Country Codes, Currency Codes and Payment Methods.
Within any enterprise it should be defined, recorded and distributed in a standard manner.
Techniques to do this can range from Spreadsheets and Microsoft Access Databases, a centralized Database
to a full-blown Commercial Product, combined with a Publish/Subscribe mechanism.
Standards should be compliant with any appropriate National and International Standards, for example,
Country Codes and Currency Codes are published by the International Standards Organization, (ISO).
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Here is a series of Useful Links :-
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| CATEGORY |
DESCRIPTION |
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Best Practice |
In any major Enterprise, it is important to establish Best Practice for Master Data Management and Reference Data.
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| Book |
The only book dedicated to this important topic is "Managing Reference Data in Enterprise Databases", by Malcom Chisholm, which gets 5 Stars on
Amazon.
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| Collaboration |
"Credit Dimensions is the major collaborative initiative to create an industry utility for counterparty data" in Financial Transactions.
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| Data Model |
Here's a Kick-Start Data Model for Reference Data Management.
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| Global Reporting Initiative |
GRI is a Collaborating Centre of the UN Environment Programme.
A likely partner in defining Reference Data. |
| ISO Standards |
Country Codes (ISO Standard Nr. 3166) |
| ISO Standards |
Currency Codes (ISO Standard Nr. 4217) |
| ISO Standards |
Gender Codes
I have seen these standards defined but have been unable to confirm this from the
ISO Web Site. I am currently waiting for a reply to an email to the ISO.
- 0=Unknown, 1=Male, 2=Female, 9=N/A, or Entity such as Church, School, or Corporation. |
| Product |
Bank Reference Data from Similarity Systems. |
| Product |
OneData from
DataFoundations- a packaged product for
managing enterprise Reference and Master Data. |
| Product |
Kalido Dynamic Information Warehouse - includes a Reference Data Manager. |
| Product |
New Reference Data Manager from Database Answers. |
| Product |
StreetReference Data Manager from
FTI. |
| Public Domain |
Time Zones |
| Publication |
The Reference Data Review
is published by
A-Team Consulting, and is focussed on Financial Settlements Data. |
| Reference Data Portal |
Devoted exclusively to this important Topic. |
| Sources of Ref Data |
Area Codes and ZIP Codes
from KJIL Software |
| Sources of Ref Data |
Localization Industry Standards Association - somewhat tangential, but 'good Sources are hard to find'.
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| Standards Bodies |
ANSI - American National Standards Institute |
| Standards Bodies |
British Standards Online |
| Standards Bodies |
ISO - International Standards Organization |
| Standards Bodies |
Standards Mall |
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Financial Information Stds Net |
Reference Data User Group, primarily for Financial Applications |
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