Today's complex data processing environment often requires accessing data that is distributed among many different computer systems. DDM provides a vocabulary and set of rules for sharing and accessing data among like and unlike computer platforms. It includes a set of standardized file models and access methods that allows users and applications to access remote data without needing to upload and download files.
Applications can access the data independent of where it is located.
An extended enterprise environment often includes both centralized hosts and distributed workstations. Most applications in an extended enterprise share data to some degree. Therefore, data in an extended enterprise must be in a form that can be shared throughout an enterprise. In addition, applications must at all times access latest copy of the data. Avoiding unnecessary data duplication is also desirable.