WC Attribute Dictionary Model vs Classic Attribute Model

I was recently asked which direction to move into using.   So I thought I would put out some thoughts on the subject.

The classic attribute model requires the attributes be defined for every catalog entry.  A better approach is to define a common set of attributes that can be reused by multiple products, the attribute dictionary.  The WC Attribute Dictionary provides for

• Centralized management of the attributes providing controlled consistency in the attribute names and values across the catalog entries.
• Reduced data management by eliminating duplicate data for attributes.
• In later FEP’s (5-8) there is additional functionality added to the attributes such as facetable attributes and merchandising attributes.  These allow for enhanced search result management, additional functionality in marketing activity catalog entry recommendations, and enhanced category browse through use of facets.

 So my recommendation is to move toward utilizing the WC Attribute Dictionary.