What is Data Modeling?
Note that the diagram above is not to be taken literally. It shows not so much the steps in sequence as the categories of results in a CASE approach. We differentiate between classical (i.e., obsolete) passive data modeling versus modern active data modeling. The former included typically included steps 1 through 4 above but stopped at the point of pretty pictures on the war room walls. Without producing actual coded results, this was incomplete, ineffective and frustrating. In the early rounds of CASE, through the mid and late 1980’s, most organizations attempting large scale data modeling through such passive tools became disillusioned and abandoned their attempts. In our work with hundreds of enterprise clients on five continents we see over 90% of the early CASE products sitting unused in IS closets, representing hundred of thousands of dollars per site in product, equipment, facilities, training, and lost opportunity. However, with the advent of active CASE tools about the same pe
