What is Data Governance ?
Governance can be defined as 'Doing the Right Things'.
This involves compliance with published procedures, both internal and external.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the number of external perocuedres,
such as Sarbanes-Oxley and Basel II in the Banking world.

Data governance includes a wide range of activities related to Enterpise Data Management,
including data Integration, data quality and data lineage.
Roles include data stewards to be responsible for managing enterprise data in a controlled
and transparent manner.
Data governance is the formal management of data throughout the enterprise, with the objective
of ensuring that data can be trusted and that people can be made accountable for data quality.

Governance and Salesforce
The Salesforce model of 'Computing in the Clouds' increases the need for transparent Governance.
It becomes necessary to understand the implications of Computing in the Clouds for Governance.

Roles and Responsibilities
This has led to a need for more clearly-defined Roles and Responsibilities.
Data Stewards need training in the implications of Computing in the Clouds for Governance.

Qualities for Success in a Role in Data Governance
To be successful in Data Governance it is important to be comfortable working with
senior management and to have a clear idea of what is achievable in large organizations
and how to establish agreement over overall goals for an enterprise.

Someone who works in this area is happy to work with senior management and will understand
just enough about technology to make an effective contribution and to ensure that the role
of technology is used to the maximum effect.