
This InContext episode explores the shift from traditional Data Catalogs to Data Product Catalogs. It defines a "data product" as a reusable, governed digital asset with clear ownership and business meaning. The discussion highlights how traditional data catalogs, while useful for technical metadata, often lack business context and hinder reusability. In contrast, a Data Product Catalog emphasizes a product-oriented view, making data discoverable, trustworthy, and composable. The episode introduces "shift left" governance, integrating data quality and compliance early in development using "data product descriptors.