This paper explores the costs and penalties associated with poor data quality, and reviews remediation methodologies, best practices and leading technologies to help restore confidence in the most basic building block of computer systems – the data.

The focus in this paper is on several marquee technology themes at present as they intersect with data quality issues. These are:

• Service Oriented Architecture (SOA);
• Master Data Management (MDM) and it’s cousin Customer Data Integration (CDI);
• Business Intelligence (BI) and Performance Management;
• Compliance efforts at all levels requiring accurate, trusted data

Leveraging commentary from global luminaries and case studies on the subject of data quality, this report aims to assist readers on their journey to improve their own Data Quality initiatives, via:

• Raising critical awareness to the cost and  irresponsibility of poor data qQuality;
• Identifying key methods and disciplines to drive and measure data quality improvements;
• Highlighting technologies and vendors in the market with expert focus on data quality; and
• Reviewing case studies that showcase the benefits of improved Data Quality