Data Quality Services (DQS) is a brand new feature in SQL Server 2012.  In short, DQS enables you to build a knowledge base, and use that knowledge base to perform a variety of critical data quality tasks such as correction, enrichment, standardization and de-duplication of your data.  DQS enables a data steward or IT professional to maintain the quality of their data and ensure that the data is suited for its business usage.

Building a knowledge base is easy – using your own data, DQS allows you to discover knowledge directly from samples of your data, combining computer-assisted and interactive experiences.  In addition, you can also extend your knowledge base with 3^rd party data providers, using cloud-based Reference Data Services (RDS) from Windows Azure Marketplace, such as Melissa Data, Digital Trowel, Loqate and CDYNE Corp.  You define the rules that DQS will apply when validating data, and the action taken when those rules are breached. 

DQS also provides batch capabilities with a SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) component, as well as integration with the Master Data Services (MDS) Excel add-in.

More info:

How to add Reference Data Services in Data Quality Services (DQS)

SQL Server Data Quality Services – First Look

New and Exciting in SQL Server Code Name “Denali”: Knowledge Driven Data Quality Services (DQS)

Video Using Knowledge to Cleanse Data with Data Quality Services

SQL Server Data Quality Services & SSIS

Using the SSIS DQS Cleansing Component

Video How Do I: Cleanse my data with SQL Server Denali SSIS DQS Cleaning Component?

SQL Server 2012 RC0 – What’s New in DQS?

Getting Started with Data Quality Services (DQS) 2012

Building Out a DQS Knowledge Base

SQL Sever 2012 Data Quality Services – Data Cleansing

Learn DQS in a day from the DQS Product Team

Data Quality Services Performance Best Practices Guide

SQL Server Data Quality Services Videos