Developer Documentation Library > Data Model > Extending the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model > Before you create a DSC
 
Before you create a DSC
Before you create a DSC, you need to understand how the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model works. This topic explains how you can get that understanding. The time spent doing this will almost certainly save you time and frustration later.
1 For a general introduction to the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model, start with UNICOM Intelligence Data Model, and then read the other topics in that section.
2 See Market research data for a quick introduction and an easy explanation of some of the key terms used throughout the UNICOM Intelligence Developer Documentation Library.
3 You might also want to read the An open UNICOM Intelligence Data Model for the MR Industry... the challenge and the promise on the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model and I want to use the Data Model to access data, but I am used to SPSS-style data. Can you give me an overview?.
4 Study the architectural diagram of the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model in Architecture of the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model.
5 Find out about the DSCs that come with the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model: see Available DSCs.
6 If you are creating an MDSC:
Read Working with the Metadata Model and then continue with the other topics in this section, including Hierarchical data in the MDM and the Working with the Metadata Model: Tutorial.
Study the structure of the MDM object reference. You will need to refer to this section frequently when you are creating your MDSC.
Another useful resource is MDM Explorer, the Visual Basic source code for which comes with the UNICOM Intelligence Developer Documentation Library. Open one of the sample .mdd files in Metadata Model Explorer and browse the objects. You can gain more valuable understanding by studying the source code.
7 If you are creating a CDSC:
Read Working with the Case Data Model and then continue with the following topics. If your underlying data format supports hierarchical data, pay particular attention to Understanding hierarchical data.
Study the structure of the CDSC interface documentation. You will need to refer to this frequently when you are creating your CDSC.
Another useful resource is DM Query, the Visual Basic source code for which also comes with the UNICOM Intelligence Developer Documentation Library. It is a simple query tool and you can use it to query the Museum example data set.
See also
Creating a Metadata Source Component (MDSC)
Creating a CDSC
Extending the UNICOM Intelligence Data Model