Developing An Item Data Model For An Item

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for developing an item data model for an item. Aspects of the invention can automate the process of data collection of “facts” for “items” that information is needed about. Facts can be organized and normalized to eliminate redundant facts, and interpret what is found. Data requirements extraction and automated modeling using a combination of data virtualization, data analytics, extract, transform, and load (ETL), web crawlers, and reverse engineering systems, can be used along with other technologies to develop an item model. A model owner feeds a curating module with the information for locating the facts to be used, and initiating the modeling process. Existing data structures, websites, vendor input, etc. can be described to the import process, and an item model is produced. The model can be imported into existing modeling tools for viewing, or viewed as XML.