In early phases of software development projects the conceptual data model is designed. In my experience tools like ERwin and Visio helped with the process. Are there other tools better suited for the job? Is out there any comparison analysis on this sort of tools?
I quite like the Quest Toad Data Modeler - so far it seems quite capable, but it's a fraction of the cost of what other "professional grade" ER tools normally cost.
Check it out! I'd say it's worth a good look for sure.