#USA #New York #Data Management #EDM Association #OMG

EDM Council and OMG Join Forces to Create EDM Association

On July 1, 2025, EDM Council®, the globally recognized association dedicated to enhancing data management, announced a pivotal agreement to acquire the Object Management Group® (OMG®). This monumental merger is expected to reshape the landscape of data governance and standard practices globally.

The combination of EDM Council and OMG aims to create an unprecedented nonprofit trade association that integrates over 700 diverse corporate and public-sector members as well as expands its geographical reach with eight regional hubs. With a robust history of 50 years in establishing internationally adopted standards, this merger signifies an era of unprecedented collaboration in data management.

In light of this integration, the EDM Council will be rebranded as the EDM Association to better reflect its broader vision and mission. This name change symbolizes a commitment to foster innovative practices across data management, software systems, and engineering standards. Notably, the new association is positioned to represent more than 30,000 professionals globally, providing them with a trusted community for navigating the complexities of evolving data landscapes.

As a result of this merger, the EDM Association will aggregate an extensive portfolio of globally recognized data management frameworks, including standards from OMG and ISO, along with digital engineering innovations. The organization intends to streamline support across the data lifecycle, simplifying the transition from raw data to actionable insights that drive success. This initiative will become a single authoritative partner in standards, bridging the gap between raw data and real-world applications.

John Bottega, the President of the EDM Association, expressed confidence in the merger's implications: “By uniting our associations, we are enhancing the synergy between data management, standards, and innovation, ultimately making data more portable and AI-ready.” Furthermore, the integration of OMG’s widely recognized technical expertise alongside EDM Council’s governance excellence is expected to create a more cohesive framework that drives organizational success.

Bill Hoffman, the CEO of OMG, emphasized the significance of this merger by stating, “Our mission has always been to support open, vendor-neutral standards that catalyze innovation. By aligning with EDM Council, we will expand our capabilities, providing our members with expedited access to top-tier data governance and certifications.”

In today’s digital age, technology and data are becoming increasingly intertwined for business leaders, CIOs, and regulators. The formation of the EDM Association equips stakeholders with a comprehensive data capability roadmap that enables them to extract meaningful value from their data assets effectively.

Moreover, this alliance will ensure that emerging standards can swiftly achieve industry-wide recognition and adoption. The addition of OMG's specialized communities—such as the Digital Twin Consortium and the Augmented Reality for Enterprise Alliance—will open new pathways for innovation across various sectors including healthcare, automotive, and defense.

Members of either organization can expect enhanced access to interdisciplinary collaboration, an expanded portfolio of resources, and enriched professional development opportunities, ultimately strengthening their capabilities in a fast-evolving data landscape. This collaboration serves as a commitment to ensure that industry professionals are well-equipped to handle the complexities of today’s data-driven environments.

About the EDM Association
The EDM Association, formerly known as EDM Council, stands at the forefront of the global data management industry, providing widely recognized frameworks, specifications, and certification programs. With over 350 member organizations in multiple sectors, the EDM Association is dedicated to promoting trusted data and innovation in technology.

About Object Management Group
Since its inception in 1989, the Object Management Group has played a crucial role in fostering a collaborative community focused on technology standards. By addressing technology challenges and fostering innovation, OMG has built a global community dedicated to advancing technology through standardization.