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{{short description|Data modeling software}}
{{third-party|date=May 2014}}
{{Lowercase title}}
{{advert|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox Softwaresoftware
| name = erwin Data Modeler1Modeler
| logo =Erwin logo.png
| developer = {{Unbulleted list
|[[Logic Works]] (Through 1998)
|[[Platinum Technology]] (1998–1999)
|[[CA Technologies]] (1999–2016)
|[[Parallax Capitalerwin, PartnersInc.]] (2016 to present)
}}
| latest_release_version = r915.640 version
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|November 20152025|06|30}}<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://support.erwin.com/hc/en-us/articles/230037407-erwin-DM-Product-Release-and-Support-Announcements
| operating_system = [[Microsoft Windows]]
| title = erwin DM Product Release and Support Announcements – erwin
| website = support.erwin.com
| access-date = 2021-04-05
}}</ref>
| operating_system = [[Microsoft Windows]] and [[iOS]]
| genre = [[CASE tool]]
| license = [[Proprietary software|Proprietary]], [[Trialware]], [[EULA]]
| website = {{URL|httphttps://www.erwin.com/products/erwin-data-modeler/}}
| screenshot = ErwinDM.png
| AsOf = April 2021
}}
'''erwin Data Modeler''' (stylized as '''erwin''' but formerly as '''ERwin''') is a [[computer software|software]] tool for [[data modeling]]. (dataOriginally [[requirementsdeveloped analysis]],by [[databaseLogic designWorks]], etc.)erwin ofhas customsince developedbeen [[informationacquired systems]],by includinga databasesseries of transactionalcompanies, systemsbefore and [[data mart]]s. erwin's data modeling engine isbeing basedspun-off uponby the [[IDEF1Xprivate equity firm]] method,Parallax althoughCapital itPartners, nowwhich supportsacquired diagrams displayed withand [[informationIncorporation engineering(business)|incorporated]] notationit as well.a Logicseparate Works stylisedentity, "erwin", fromInc., anmanaged abbreviationby ofCEO "Entity Relationships" and Microsoft'sAdam "Windows"Famularo.
 
The software’s engine is based on the [[IDEF1X]] method, although it now also supports diagrams displayed with a variant [[information technology engineering]] notation, as well as a dimensional modeling notation.
erwin is the market leading solution with over 30% market share per an October, 2015 analyst report.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ca.com/us/news/press-releases/na/2015/ca-technologies-continues-to-lead-in-global-market-share-report-on-data-modeling-tools.aspx|title=CA Technologies Continues to Lead in Global Market Share Report on Data Modeling Tools - CA Technologies|website=www.ca.com|access-date=2016-05-13}}</ref>
 
== History ==
ERwin was created by [[Logic Works]], which was based in [[Princeton, New Jersey]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2108620/embarcadero-moves-into-data-modeling-with-ca-erwin-buy.html|title=Embarcadero moves into data modeling with CA ERwin buy|last=Jackson|first=Joab|date=2014-03-14|work=PCWorld|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en}}</ref> In May 1993, Logic Works released ERwin/ERX, a version of the tool designed to work in conjunction with [[PowerBuilder]]. The database models created using ERwin could be translated into software built through the PowerBuilder [[integrated development environment]] (IDE).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0Uw3oTahRcwC|title=PC Client/server|date=1993-05-17|publisher=Computerworld|pages=71, 75|language=en}}</ref> In May 1995, Logic Works ERwin was expanded to include several other IDEs, adding SQLWindows from [[Gupta Technologies]] and [[Visual Basic]] from Microsoft.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pQpRMj6jSFYC|title=Database utility choices highlighted|last=Nash|first=Kim S.|date=1995-05-08|work=Computerworld|publisher=IDG Enterprise|pages=127|language=en}}</ref> As of 1996, ERwin was among several data modeling software solutions being used to facilitate a wide move to the [[client–server model]] in database management.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rrz6PIR7f0oC|title=CASE reincarnation|last=Richman|first=Dan|date=1996-07-29|work=Computerworld|access-date=2017-09-02|pages=45, 49}}</ref>
[[File:ERWin 4.1.4.3643 on Windows 2000 screenshot.png|thumbnail|right|ERwin CASE tool on Windows
2000]]
erwin (formerly, ERwin) was created by [[Logic Works]]. It was acquired in 1998 by [[Platinum Technology]], which was later acquired in May 1999 by [[Computer Associates]], who added it to their AllFusion suite under the name ''AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler''. The tool was later renamed to ''CA ERwin Data Modeler''.
 
In 1998, Logic Works was acquired by [[Platinum Technology]] which was later acquired, in May 1999, by [[Computer Associates]] (CA).<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kmworld.com/Articles/News/News/Computer-Associates-Jasmine-goes-Platinum-12030.aspx|title=Computer Associates' Jasmine goes Platinum|date=1999-03-30|work=KMWorld Magazine|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> ERwin was initially made part of CA’s Jasmine suite but it was later added to their new AllFusion suite<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2584857/networking/ca-product-lines-get-second-overhaul.html|title=CA product lines get second overhaul|last=Songini|first=Marc L.|date=2001-11-26|work=Computerworld|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en}}</ref> under the name AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://itreports.computerworld.com/article/2554997/enterprise-applications/brief--ca-to-release-new-modeling-tool.html|title=Brief: CA to release new modeling tool|last=Hamblen|first=Matt|work=Computerworld|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pTcwBQAAQBAJ|title=Developing a Data Warehouse for the Healthcare Enterprise: Lessons from the Trenches|last=Bergeron|first=Bryan|date=2013|publisher=HIMSS|isbn=9781938904332|language=en}}</ref> The tool was later renamed to CA ERwin Data Modeler.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P4_XBgAAQBAJ|title=Data Modeling Made Simple with CA ERwin Data Modeler r8|last=Burbank|first=Donna|last2=Hoberman|first2=Steve|date=2011-08-01|publisher=Technics Publications|isbn=9781634620697|language=en}}</ref>
In 2014 [[Embarcadero Technologies]] sought to acquire the product from [[CA, Inc.]].<ref>Joab Jackson. [http://www.pcworld.com/article/2108620/embarcadero-moves-into-data-modeling-with-ca-erwin-buy.html "Embarcadero moves into data modeling with CA ERwin buy".] ''[[IDG News Service]], 14 March 2014.</ref> This acquisition was blocked by the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] over anti-competitive concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/embarcadero-technologies-and-ca-inc-terminate-proposed-transfer-ca-incs-erwin-data-modeler |title=Embarcadero Technologies and CA Inc. Terminate Proposed Transfer of CA Inc.'s ERwin Data Modeler &#124; OPA &#124; Department of Justice |publisher= |date=2014-11-05 |accessdate=2016-05-13}}</ref>
 
In 2014 [[Embarcadero Technologies]] sought to acquire the product from [[CA, Inc.]].<ref>Joab Jackson. [httpname="://www.pcworld.com/article/2108620/embarcadero-moves-into-data-modeling-with-ca-erwin-buy.html 0"Embarcadero moves into data modeling with CA ERwin buy".] ''[[IDG News Service]], 14 March 2014.</ref> This acquisition was blocked by the [[United States Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] over anti-competitive concerns.<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/embarcadero-technologies-and-ca-inc-terminate-proposed-transfer-ca-incs-erwin-data-modeler |title=Embarcadero Technologies and CA Inc. Terminate Proposed Transfer of CA Inc.'s ERwin Data Modeler &#124; |date=2014-11-05|website=OPA &#124; |publisher=Department of Justice |publisheraccess-date=2016-05-13}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|dateurl=2014http://www.dataversity.net/erwin-11looks-05future-data-modeling/|title=ERwin Looks to the Future of Data Modeling|accessdatelast=Zaino|first=Jennifer|date=2016-0506-1309|work=Dataversity|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref>
As of April 5, 2016, Private equity firm Parallax Capital Partners completed the acquisition of data modeling software erwin from CA Technologies. It now operates as erwin, Inc., and is led by IT industry veteran Adam Famularo, who is now CEO of erwin, Inc.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://erwin.com/resources/news/parallax-acquires-data-modeling-solution-erwin-from-ca-technologies#sthash.WgbBCsr0.dpuf |title=Parallax Acquires Data Modeling Solution ERwin from CA Technologies |publisher=ERwin |date= |accessdate=2016-05-13}}</ref>
 
In April 2016, Parallax Capital Partners, a [[private equity firm]], acquired the software from CA Technologies<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dbta.com/Editorial/News-Flashes/Parallax-Acquires-ERwin-from-CA-Technologies-as-Part-of-Big-Data-Strategy-110276.aspx|title=Parallax Acquires ERwin from CA Technologies as Part of Big Data Strategy|last=Wells|first=Joyce|date=2016-04-06|work=Database Trends and Applications|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> and appointed Adam Famularo as CEO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://sdtimes.com/erwin-becomes-a-standalone-company/|title=ERwin becomes a standalone company|last=Cardoza|first=Christina|date=2016-04-07|work=SD Times|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> The company now operates under a new name stylized as erwin, Inc.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dataversity.net/erwins-end-game-holistic-data-management/|title=Erwin’s End Game: Holistic Data Management|last=Zaino|first=Jennifer|date=2017-02-23|work=Dataversity|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> In September 2016, erwin announced that it had acquired Corso, a British [[enterprise architecture]] service provider.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dataversity.net/erwin-acquires-saas-enterprise-architecture-provider-corso/|title=erwin Acquires SaaS Enterprise Architecture Provider, Corso|last=Guess|first=A.R.|date=2016-09-14|work=Dataversity|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> In December of the same year, erwin acquired the [[business process modeling]] software Casewise, with a plan to integrate the two.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.datanami.com/2016/12/13/business-process-mining-promises-big-data-payoff/|title=Business Process Mining Promises Big Data Payoff|last=Woodie|first=Alex|date=2016-12-13|work=Datanami|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, erwin released its Data Modeler [[NoSQL]], an enterprise-class data modeling solution for MongoDB. In April 2018, NoSQL data modeling support for Couchbase was added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dbta.com/Editorial/News-Flashes/erwin-DM-NoSQL-Strengthens-Data-Governance-Across-More-Database-Platforms-124750.aspx|title=erwin DM NoSQL Strengthens Data Governance Across More Database Platforms|date=30 April 2018|website=Database Trends and Applications}}</ref> Also that year, erwin launched a data governance solution with impact analysis and integrations to its business process, enterprise architecture and data modeling suites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://go.forrester.com/blogs/another-serious-player-entering-the-data-governance-2-0-market/|title=Another Serious Player Is Entering The Data Governance 2.0 Market|date=20 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dataversity.net/time-data-governance-2-0-erwin-dg/|title=It’s Time for Data Governance 2.0 with erwin DG|first=Jennifer|last=Zaino|date=15 November 2017}}</ref> In January 2018, the company acquired data harvesting technology and data governance consulting services company A&P Consulting.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/business/technology/erwin-analytix-ds-ca-famularo-software-1.20705495|title=Erwin Inc. acquires AnalytiX DS, grows to 240 workers|website=Newsday}}</ref>
==Distinguishing features==
* Logical Data Modeling: Purely logical models may be created, from which physical models may be derived. Combinations of logical and physical models are also supported. Supports entity-type and attribute logical names and descriptions, logical domains and data types, as well as relationship naming.
* Physical Data Modeling: Purely physical models may be created as well as combinations of logical and physical models. Supports the naming and description of tables and columns, user defined data types, primary keys, foreign keys, alternative keys and the naming and definition of constraints. Support for indexes, views, stored procedures and triggers is also included.
* Logical-to-Physical Transformation: Includes an abbreviation/naming dictionary called "Naming Standards Editor" and a logical-to-RDBMS data type mapping facility called "Datatype Standards Editor", both of which are customizable with entries and basic rule enforcement.
* Forward engineering: Once the database designer is satisfied with the physical model, the tool can automatically generate a [[SQL]] [[Data Definition Language]] (DDL) script that can either be directly executed on the RDBMS environment or saved to a file.
* Reverse engineering: If an analyst needs to examine and understand an existing data structure, erwin depicts the physical database objects in an erwin model file.
* Model-to-model comparison: The "Complete/Compare" facility allows an analyst or designer to view the differences between two model files (including real-time reverse-engineered files), for instance to understand changes between two versions of a model.
* An "Undo" feature is available from version 7.
* Bulk Editor: erwin Data Modeler has a unique Bulk Editor feature that enable users to edit a collection of objects in a single editing session
* Active Model Templates: Derive new models from template models. Changes in template model can be automatically synchronized into all derived models
* API (Application Programming Interface) Support: erwin provides a programming interface to automate tasks that involve reading/writing of data models
* Domains (Column Domains): erwin has the concept of domains that defines characteristics of attributes/columns in a model. It acts as a library of attributes/columns so it can be re-used across entities/tables and centrally managed through a flexible property inheritance/over-ride mechanism.
* Model Repository and version management: erwin has a very powerful integrated model repository for change management (Workgroup edition) that supports metadata governance, versioning, multi-user modeling, etc.
 
They also developed the erwin EDGE software platform, with EDGE as an acronym for “enterprise data governance experience”, intending to use data governance for data-driven insights to help accomplish organizational objectives.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newsday.com/business/erwin-ca-acquisition-software-1.16146827|title=LI software maker buys Italian company|website=Newsday}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dbta.com/BigDataQuarterly/Articles/Doubling-Down-on-Data-Governance-QandA-with-Adam-Famularo-CEO-erwin-Inc-123290.aspx|title=Doubling Down on Data Governance: Q&A with Adam Famularo, CEO, erwin, Inc.|date=28 February 2018|website=Database Trends and Applications}}</ref> In February 2018 erwin released its first State of Data Governance Report with UBM.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.information-age.com/prepared-enterprises-impending-gdpr-123470729/|title=Data Governance: How prepared are enterprises for the impending GDPR?|date=12 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sdtimes.com/data/preparing-gdpr-eleventh-hour/|title=Preparing for the GDPR in the eleventh hour|date=5 March 2018}}</ref> In August 2018, erwin acquired metadata management and data governance company AnalytiX DS.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sdtimes.com/data/erwin-acquisition-of-analytix-ds-rounds-out-its-data-governance-platform/|title=erwin acquisition of AnalytiX DS rounds out its data governance platform|date=4 September 2018}}</ref>
== Physical Modeling support ==
* DB2 iSeries 5.x/6.x/7.x
* DB2 LUW 9.5, 9.7/10.x
* DB2 z/OS 8.1/9.1/10/11
* Informix 10.x/11.x/12.x
* MySQL 5.x/6.x
* ODBC/Generic 2.0/3.0
* Oracle 10g/11g/12c
* Progress 9.x/10.x
* SAS
* SQL Azure
* MS SQL Server 2008,2012/2014/2016
* SAP (ASE) 15/16
* SAP IQ 12.x
* Teradata 13/13.1/14/14.1/15
* Other databases are accessible through ODBC drivers as well as metadata bridges
 
On December 31, 2020 erwin, Inc. was acquired by [[Quest Software]]. The business unit is headed by Prashant Parikh.
== Limitations ==
Versions prior to CA ERwin Data Modeler 9.2 had only been certified on the 32-bit versions of the Windows operating systems. As of Version 9.64, ERwin Data Modeler has binaries for both 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Windows; users receive both versions for the same license.
 
==Associated productsOverview ==
At its core, erwin has a [[computer-aided software engineering]] tool (or CASE tool).<ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9x2LawVL_UsC|title=Database Modeling and Design: Logical Design|last=Teorey|first=Toby J.|last2=Lightstone|first2=Sam S.|last3=Nadeau|first3=Tom|last4=Jagadish|first4=H. V.|date=2011-02-10|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=9780123820211|pages=234|language=en}}</ref> Users can utilize erwin Data Modeler as a way to take [[Conceptual schema|conceptual data model]] and create a [[Database design#Logically structuring data|logical data model]] that is not dependent on a specific database technology.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ufDibgxnCdUC|title=Beginning Oracle Database 11g Administration: From Novice to Professional|last=Fernandez|first=Iggy|date=2009-02-18|publisher=Apress|isbn=9781590599686|pages=131|language=en}}</ref> This schematic model can be used to create the [[physical data model]]. Users can then forward engineer the [[data definition language]] required to instantiate the schema for a range of [[Database Management System|database-management systems]].{{Sfn|Burbank|Hoberman|2011|p=481}} The software includes features to graphically modify the model, including dialog boxes for specifying the number of [[Entity–relationship model|entity–relationships]], [[Relational database#Constraints|database constraints]], [[Database index|indexes]], and data uniqueness.<ref name=":2" /> erwin supports three data modeling languages: [[IDEF1X]],{{Sfn|Burbank|Hoberman|2011|p=47}} a variant of [[information technology engineering]] {{Sfn|Burbank|Hoberman|2011|p=328}} developed by [[James Martin (author)|James Martin]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://visualstudiomagazine.com/Blogs/Tool-Tracker/2010/12/Starting-CA-ERwin-Data-Model.aspx|title=Starting a Data Model in CA's ERwin|last=Vogel|first=Peter|date=2010-12-09|website=Visual Studio Magazine|language=en|access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref> and a form of [[dimensional modeling]] notation.{{Sfn|Burbank|Hoberman|2011|p=496}}
* ERwin Web Portal (Data Governance Edition r9.64 November 2015)
* ERwin Web Portal (added with CA ERwin r8.2 in February 2012, versions current with the Data Governance Edition)
* ERwin Safyr Option for ERP
 
The software also allows users to generate data models by reverse-engineering pre-existing databases that are based on several different formats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://visualstudiomagazine.com/articles/2010/12/01/designing-databases-with-erwin-data-modeler-7.3.aspx|title=Designing Databases with ERwin Data Modeler 7.3|last=Vogel|first=Peter|date=2010-12-01|website=Visual Studio Magazine|language=en|access-date=2017-10-02}}</ref> Another included feature is erwin’s ability to create reusable design standards: “including naming standards, data type standards, model templates and more.” The software includes several features for modifying how the data model is displayed, including options for several colors, fonts, diagrams, subject areas and layouts.{{Sfn|Burbank|Hoberman|2011|p=38-39}}
==See also==
* [[CA Software Change Manager]]
* [[Computer-aided software engineering]]
 
erwin’s Complete Compare feature allows the user to compare two versions of a model, displays differences, and allows for merging and updates in either direction.{{Sfn|Burbank|Hoberman|2011|p=38}} As of March 2016, the software bundle also includes its own Report Designer.<ref name=":3" /> The erwin DM 2018 update included Netezza, MySQL 8.x, [[PostgreSQL]] 10.4, and Hive; model counts reports; and PII support. The 2019 update included DB2 z/OS v12, SQL Server 2017, Teradata v16.20, and PostgreSQL 11.2, in addition to reporting enhancements like user-defined properties and filters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/data-modeling-tools/|title=10 Best Data Modeling Tools To Manage Complex Designs|website=www.softwaretestinghelp.com}}</ref>
==Publications==
 
* {{cite book | last = DeAngelis | first = Carla | title = Data Modeling with ERwin | publisher = Sams | year = 2000 | isbn = 0-672-31868-7 }}
== Notable users ==
Beginning in 1992, the [[United Nations Development Programme]] (UNDP) was one of the larger organizations to utilize ERwin to integrate its many independent databases located at its 120 field offices. UNDP used ERwin to develop a “corporate data model”, with the goal of “reducing redundant data entry” and create a single database framework based on which “all future systems can be designed”. ERwin was used to both reverse-engineer existing data at field offices and also move data from Computer Associates’ [[IDMS]] to [[Sybase]]’s UnixRDBMS.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=81WcX8nG1uUC|title=U.N. group globalizes data modeling|last=Hoffman|first=Thomas|date=1993-08-09|work=Computerworld|access-date=2017-09-02|pages=69, 74}}</ref>
 
As of 2001, the insurance company [[Aetna]] used Erwin Data Modeler to automate maintenance of its [[Table (database)|database table]] definitions. Aetna’s database consisted of 15,000 table definitions which became difficult to maintain manually.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2592300/financial-it/managing-tons-of-data.html|title=Managing Tons Of Data|last=Nance|first=Barry|date=2001-04-23|work=Computerworld|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en}}</ref>
 
As of 2002, ERwin was among the products used by the [[New York Power Authority]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2587681/vertical-it/ca-customers-hang-tough.html|title=CA Customers Hang Tough|last=Songini|first=Marc L.|date=2002-03-04|work=Computerworld|access-date=2017-10-02|language=en}}</ref> The software was also in use by Utah State Office of Education as of 2006.<ref name=":1" />
 
==References==
 
{{Reflist}}
 
==Further reading==
* {{cite book | last = DeAngelis | first = Carla | title = Data Modeling with ERwin | publisher = Sams | year = 2000 | isbn = 0-672-31868-7 }}
 
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.erwin.com}}
* [http://erwin.com/resources/news/ca-technologies-releases-the-new-version-of-its-erwin-data-modeling-applica CA Technologies releases the new version of its ERwin data modeling application, r9, October 16, 2012]
 
[[Category:Data modeling tools]]