What Is Teradata MDS?
Teradata MDS provides the tools to create a metadata repository optimized for Teradata.
The heart of the metadata repository is the Teradata metadata, but Teradata MDS also
lets you store and link additional information to the Teradata metadata. This provides
a more thorough understanding of the data in the warehouse, what it’s used for, and
what happens if something changes. For example:
Business Descriptions – what does this particular column mean? What are the valid codes for this field?
Source System Information – what system was this column sourced from and when was it last updated?
Application Usage – which applications and/or end users use specific columns?
Impact Analysis – what if I delete this column – what views are affected?
Dependency Analysis – what tables, views, and macros does a Stored Procedure reference?
Components of Teradata MDS include:
A repository database where metadata is stored in Teradata tables
Three predefined Application Information Metamodels (AIMs)
MDS Repository Explorer lets you explore and modify the repository within one integrated
web interface.
Tools and utilities to:
Define entirely new AIMs
Extend existing AIMs
Build metadata interchange bridges
Use administrative and support tools and features to manage metadata
For detailed information on the standalone utilities, see Chapter 6: “Teradata MDS Support Tools and APIs.”