Information Formats

From MIKE2 Methodology

The flow of information across applications and the Technology Backplane and from sources external to the organisation can take on many forms. These Information Formats are generally grouped into 3 major categories:

• Structured Information,
• Semi-Structured Information and
• Unstructured Information.

Whilst modelling techniques for structured information have been around for some time, semi-structured and unstructured information formats are growing in importance due to the growth in web-based technologies. As up to 80% of the information is a typical organization is unstructured, this must be an important area for focus as part of an overall information management strategy. It is an area, however, where the accepted best practices are not nearly as well-defined. Data standards provide an important mechanism for structuring information. The MIKE2 methodology puts a major focus on the use of standards to reduce complexity and improve reusability.