---
title: Define ownership for Software Catalog entities
description: >-
  Link services and other entities to Datadog Teams so you can filter views,
  route notifications, and drive accountability across your software portfolio.
breadcrumbs: >-
  Docs > Internal Developer Portal > Software Catalog > Set Up Software Catalog
  > Define ownership for Software Catalog entities
---

# Define ownership for Software Catalog entities

{% callout %}
# Important note for users on the following Datadog sites: app.ddog-gov.com

{% alert level="danger" %}
This product is not supported for your selected [Datadog site](https://docs.datadoghq.com/getting_started/site). ().
{% /alert %}

{% /callout %}

## Overview{% #overview %}

Define ownership in Software Catalog to connect entities to the Datadog Teams responsible for them. Ownership information appears on each entity's details page and allows you to:

- Filter views by team across Datadog products.
- Attribute Scorecards and Campaigns to the right owners.
- Route notifications and on-call context to the correct team.

## Create a Team{% #create-a-team %}

You can create a Team from your [Datadog Organization Settings](https://app.datadoghq.com/organization-settings/teams) or directly from [Software Catalog](https://app.datadoghq.com/teams). For full instructions, see [Team set up and configuration](https://docs.datadoghq.com/account_management/teams/).

A Team definition includes the following:

1. **Team name**: For example, "Bits Demo".
1. **Handle**: A unique identifier, such as `bits-demo`. Handles can be used as search facets (for example, `team:bits-demo`).
1. **Members**: One or more Datadog users.
1. **Description**: Optional, but recommended for context.

After creating a Team, you can add reference links, configure notifications, and associate the Team with Datadog resources such as Monitors and Dashboards.

## Configure entity ownership{% #configure-entity-ownership %}

### In Datadog{% #in-datadog %}

To add or update an entity's owner in Datadog:

1. Go to **Software Catalog**, and open the entity.
1. Click **Edit in UI** on the entity page.
1. In the **Ownership** section, set the **Owner** and optionally add **Additional owners**.
   - Search by team name or paste a handle (for example, `team:example-team`).
1. Click **Save Entry**.

### Through configuration files{% #through-configuration-files %}

If you manage entities as code (for example, through repository-backed service definitions or automation), include the team handle(s) in the entity metadata field that maps to owners. Ensure handles exactly match existing Datadog Teams.

## Best practices{% #best-practices %}

- **Use Teams, not individuals:** Assign entities to Teams so membership changes don't break ownership links, filters, or notifications.
- **Choose a primary owner:** Designate one accountable Team; add secondary owners only when necessary.
- **Keep handles consistent:** Use lowercase, hyphenated handles for consistency and searchability (for example, `payments-platform`, not `Payments Platform`).
- **Sync from your IDP:** If possible, provision Teams from SAML or SCIM to keep membership current.
- **Use team filters:** Encourage engineers to enable [**My Teams**](https://docs.datadoghq.com/account_management/teams/#team-filter) to focus views on owned entities.
- **Use team hierarchies**: Create [subteams](https://docs.datadoghq.com/account_management/teams/manage/#subteams-hierarchical-teams) to reflect your organization's structure and enable hierarchical filtering.