Canonical Data Model
Enterprise integration pattern, the pivot data model of integration hubs.
Definition
The CDM introduces a data model independent of any single application: each connector translates from the source format into the canonical model, then from canonical into the target format. For N systems this turns N×(N-1) point-to-point mappings into 2N mappings (one to and one from the pivot), sharply reducing coupling and maintenance cost.
Origin
Described as the "Canonical Data Model" pattern in Enterprise Integration Patterns by Gregor Hohpe and Bobby Woolf (Addison-Wesley, 2003).
Example in context
A hub receives an order as EDIFACT ORDERS, a cXML PunchOutOrder and an IDoc ORDERS05; each is mapped into the same canonical <CanonicalOrder> object before being routed and re-transformed into the format the target ERP expects.