Dataosan

Dataosan is a conceptual framework for organizing, describing, and exchanging data across heterogeneous systems. It is used in theoretical discussions and pilot projects to illustrate approaches to interoperability, governance, and reproducible analytics. There is no single official specification; implementations vary by domain and organization.

A dataosan system typically includes a modular data model that defines entities and relationships, a metadata schema covering provenance, quality, and access rights, a data catalog for discovery, and programmable interfaces (APIs) for standardized access. The architecture aims to separate data storage from processing logic, allowing models and policies to evolve independently.

Interoperability is central, achieved by aligning with standards such as DCAT for cataloging, Dublin Core for basic metadata, and domain ontologies as needed. Controlled vocabularies and versioned schemas support stable integrations across systems and time.

Applications include enterprise data integration, open data portals, and cross-domain research collaborations. Dataosan supports improved discoverability, reuse, governance, and reproducibility through clear provenance, access controls, and quality indicators.

Governance concerns cover access policies, privacy, auditing, and compliance with legal requirements. Limitations include the absence of a universal standard, metadata overhead, and the need for ongoing stewardship to maintain data quality.