Understanding Data Modelling in Data Mesh

This article aims to address the intriguing topic of data modelling within the context of a data mesh. Specifically, it will clarify whether enterprise data models persist in a data mesh framework.

Before we delve into the intricacies of data models, I recommend reading my previous article, “Data Integration and Data Modelling Demystified”. If you’re already conversant with Conceptual, Logical, and Physical Data Models, feel free to proceed directly to the following content. Additionally, “Data Domains — Where do I Start?” provides essential context for this discussion.

To better understand the relationship between data mesh and data models, let’s begin with a diagram. Please note, this diagram is somewhat academic, but it’s crucial to comprehend the different types of data models.

Conceptual diagram showing how business capabilities, domains, application domains, data models and data domains relate.

The above diagram illustrates two distinct domains. Each domain is associated with a business capability from the business capability map. Business capabilities hold significant importance as they represent an organization’s operational functions and primarily address the problem space. When a business capability is implemented, it materializes into a capability instance for a specific context. This instance serves as our domain, encompassing a clear boundary that includes an application solution space, a domain model, and a data domain. Let’s…