Configurable Row Sampling and Metadata-Only Discovery in IKC.

As a user of IBM Knowledge Catalog (IKC), I need the ability to configure the number of rows previewed during data discovery and the option to discover only metadata, so that I can better manage data access, address compliance concerns, and improve collaboration without unnecessary delays in projects.

Business Value & Justification:

In many organizations, particularly those dealing with sensitive data (such as PHI or PII), data access is strictly regulated due to compliance requirements. Currently, the default data preview in IKC pulls 1000 rows, which may not always be necessary or desirable, especially for initial discovery or metadata-only assessments. This can result in security concerns for data owners and lead to delays as DBAs are required to manually restrict data access.

This enhancement will allow:

1. Configurable Sampling: Users can specify the number of rows to preview (e.g., 100 rows instead of 1000), reducing unnecessary data exposure and improving performance during data discovery.

2. Metadata-Only Discovery: Users can request access to the metadata structure without retrieving actual rows, enabling teams to understand the data model while safeguarding sensitive data.

These capabilities will streamline collaboration between teams, reduce the burden on DBAs, and expedite project timelines, all while ensuring compliance with data governance policies. By allowing metadata-only access, organizations can meet security and regulatory requirements while still enabling data analysis and decision-making.