I am confident that, when properly distilled out of the masses of data, that the essence of knowledge lies embedded within an organization's metadata. In fact, conversations with clients often centers on different aspects of what we call metadata, often buried within topics like "data dictionary," "data standards," "XML" - yet the meaning of corporate knowledge always boils down to its metadata.

I have recently been involved in advising the formation of a new professional organization that focuses on establishing a community of practice for Metadata practitioners called the Meta-Data Professional Organization.

The intention of the MPO is to be a primary resource for exchanging ideas and advice for best practices in metadata management and implementation. I hope that this organization will be the kind of group in which individuals will share their knowledge and experience in a way that can benefit others, especially when it comes to some of the more challenging aspects of metadata, such as clearly articulating the business benefits of a metadata management program, how to assemble a believable business case, and how to develop a project plan for assessment and implementation.

If you check out the board members, you will probably see some names familiar to you from other venues, such as TDWI or DAMA.

If you have any interest in metadata, it would be worthwhile to consider how you could contribute to this organization!