Risks of Not Performing Step 10

Providing a meta data repository solution is not a casual undertaking. The same disciplines and rigor that apply to building a BI application also apply to developing a meta data repository. "Whipping out" a database and a few canned SQL queries does not equate to a sustainable meta data repository solution. Like every other system, it must be designed with a lot of thought and foresight to assure the desired level of functionality, performance, scalability, and maintainability over time. If the decision is to license a meta data repository product, you must give the same care to the evaluation process as you would give to the purchase of a critical operational systems package. If you do not take the time to design a robust and sustainable meta data repository solution, you will have to redo your solution or end up with an inferior BI decision-support environment. As the saying goes: "Pay me now or pay me later, but you will pay."