Canonical Data Model

Kind: pattern

Layer: Contracts Core

Record: architecture:canonical-data-model

Severity: contextual

Scope: integration, enterprise data

Canonical: Ontology

A design pattern in which integrated systems exchange data through one shared model, with a mapping per system.

Listed in Architecture principles, after Canonical Model and before Canonical Schema.

Requires

• Canonical Model
• Data Contract

Reinforces

• Interoperability
• Normalization

Enables

• Cross-System Mapping

In tension with

• Bounded Context Purity
• Local Model Autonomy

Tensions

• Canonical Data Model / Bounded Context Purity
• Canonical Data Model / Local Model Autonomy

Violated by

• Multiple Competing Models

Refactored by

• Anti-Corruption Layer

Severity

• contextual

Category

• Schema / Canonical Data / Semantics

Refactors

• Vendor Lock-In Leakage
• Centralized Logging
• Canonical Schema

Required by

• Canonical Schema

Linked from

• Anti-patterns
• Contracts / Interfaces / Compatibility
• Control / Coordination / Centralization
• Schema / Canonical Data / Semantics
• Schema / Canonical Data / Semantics
• Severity levels
• The resolutions