Reference data--documenting, storing and protecting it [1]--is a big issue these days. Most recognize the value of strong systems that can unify and consolidate this data from far-flung, discrete systems. By creating a centralized hub, companies can leverage various views of all this data for strategic purposes. Just as important, these same systems can be used to stay in compliance. Financial services firms have been leaders in this area. The focus of reference data management seems to be new systems that can manage the complete reference data lifecycle, laying a foundation to grapple with current compliance requirements and the requirements that will inevitably be passed. Companies that must now start complying with 404 [2] should be thinking of this.     

For more:
- here's an article [3] from TechNewsWorld