As a result of both external pressures, such as compliance, and internal pressures triggered by aggressive enterprise information management programs, there is growing interest on behalf of both data management professionals and senior business managers to understand the motivations, mechanics, virtues and ongoing operations of instituting data governance within an organization.

The objective of data governance is predicated on the desire to assess and manage the many different kinds of risks that lurk hidden within the enterprise information portfolio.

And while many data governance activities are triggered by a concern about regulatory compliance, the definition, oversight and adherence to information policies and procedures can create additional value across the enterprise.