DDI and SDMX: Complementary, Not Competing, Standards

Two technical standards for statistical and research data and metadata have been receiving much attention. Particularly for those working with both micro-data and time-series aggregates, there can be some confusion as to the relationship between these standards, and questions about which may be more appropriate for use in a particular application or institution. This paper describes the basic scope of each standard, and provides some information which may help in making a decision about which of them is most suitable.