1. A data architecture for an information management system for storing and retrieving data, the information management system including an application layer characterized by a set of data processing rules, said data architecture comprising: a) at least one database management system implementing: i) a primary data structure including a plurality of data elements for storing data, said primary data structure being characterized by a fixed data schema; ii) a secondary data structure operative to define a plurality of data relationships between the data elements of said primary data structure on a basis of the data processing rules of the information management system, whereby said primary data structure is independent of the data processing rules of the information management system.