Yes, there are differences between metadata management and master data management (even though they sound very similar).

We have an article on this exact topic at http://blog.hubdesigns.com/2008/02/27/metadata-and-mdm. Basically, metadata management applies to any database application and involves managing information about the information. Master data management involves managing data about the “core entities” that your transactions depend on: your customers, suppliers, products, locations, employees, etc. without which you cannot transact business.

So if you need to learn about MDM, please join the MDM Community at http://mdmcommunity.ning.com – and ask questions there using the Forums feature. And continue to read this blog (and ask questions here via the comments).

But remember, Master Data Management has to do with managing the underlying master data entities that all of your transaction activities reference, and metadata management is basically the art and science of managing information about information systems.

Good luck!

I was just in this industry for about 3 years. I was doing something like score card in olap for 1 and half years and moved to data warehouse project for 1 and half years. Recently, I have joined a financial company and my manager has asked me to come out a plan for data managemen. I hope i can get some advices from you as a junior. Thanks.

In additional, i’ve bought a book called ” Universal Meta Data Models” and ” Master Data Management and customer Data Integration for a Global Enterprise”. I found it’s very useful in “Universal Meta Data Model” but i get myself confused between meta data managemetn and master data managemetn.

Can you help?