Description: Governed data refers to information that is managed according to established policies and procedures, ensuring its quality, security, and regulatory compliance. This concept is fundamental in data management, as it allows organizations to maintain strict control over their information assets. Data governance involves implementing strategies that regulate how data is collected, stored, accessed, and used within an organization. This includes defining roles and responsibilities, as well as creating policies that guide the handling of sensitive and critical data. The importance of governed data lies in its ability to mitigate risks, improve decision-making, and ensure the integrity of information. In an environment where data is increasingly valuable, governance becomes an essential pillar for any data strategy, enabling companies not only to comply with regulations but also to optimize their operations and foster trust among their customers and business partners.
History: The concept of data governance began to take shape in the 2000s when organizations started to recognize the need to manage their data more effectively due to increasing regulations and the growing importance of information in decision-making. As companies digitized, frameworks and best practices for data governance emerged, such as the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK) published by DAMA International in 2009. Since then, data governance has evolved, integrating with emerging technologies and approaches like Data Mesh, which promotes decentralization and shared responsibility in data management.
Uses: Governed data is used in various applications, including data quality management, information security, regulatory compliance, and advanced analytics. Organizations implement governance policies to ensure that data is accurate, accessible, and protected against unauthorized access. Additionally, data governance is crucial for implementing business intelligence initiatives, where data quality and integrity are essential for gaining valuable insights.
Examples: An example of governed data can be seen in the financial sector, where institutions must comply with strict regulations such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the U.S. These organizations implement governance policies to ensure that their financial data is accurate and properly audited. Another example is the use of data governance platforms in various industries, which allow for managing data access and quality in multi-cloud environments.
