Master Data Managment; a succinct explanation

Master Data Management (MDM) is one of those terms that have been hovering around in the data management background for a number of years. However, it looks like its time is drawing near: the next version of SQL Server will feature MDM capabilities out of the box, a move that should bring the associated techniques and technologies into the limelight.

I could go on, but I came across this article by the blessed Kirk Hasleden, author of the peerless "Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Integration Services", which explains the basics - and why it's so important - quickly and clearly. I suspect that this won't be the last posting on these pages on this topic.