A Data Fabric: “Is a distributed Data Management platform whose objective is to combine various types of data storage, access, preparation, analytics, and security tools in a fully compliant manner to support seamless Data Management.” This concept has gained traction as technologies, such as the Internet of Things, need to have a consistent way of making data available to specific workloads or applications. It is key for retrieving data across multiple locations spanning the globe, since many companies use a variety of storage system configurations and cloud providers.
What Is a Data Fabric?
By onOther Definitions of a Data Fabric Include:
- “A solution to the phenomenon where datasets get so large that they become physically impossible to move.” (Will Ochandarena)
- “A comprehensive way to integrate all an organization’s data into a single, scalable platform.” (MAPR)
- “An enabler of frictionless access of data sharing in a distributed data environment.” (Gartner)
- “An information network implemented on a grand scale across physical and virtual boundaries – focus on the data aspect of cloud computing as the unifying factor.” (Forbes)
- A design allowing for “a single, consistent data management framework, allowing easier data access and sharing in a distributed environment” (TechRepublic)
Businesses Use a Data Fabric to:
- Handle very large data sets across multiple locations quicker.
- Make data more accessible
- Optimize the entire data lifecycle– to enable applications that require real-time analytics.
- Integrate data silos across an environment
- Deliver a higher value from data assets
- Allow machine learning and AI to work more efficiently
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