Data Virtualisation

Data Virtualization (DV) is an approach to data management that allows an application to retrieve and manipulate data without requiring technical details about the data in term of how it is formatted or where it is physically located.

To understand the benefit of DV better, let’s consider some practical users case scenarios.

Build Single version of the truth

DV is quick and agile approach to provide businesses with an enterprise landscape view so that they can take swift decision. It can build a single version of the truth to which logical layers for specific subject areas can be added. This approach can be achieved by:

• Build a logical layer on top of heterogeneous sources based on the business need

• Gradually improving the logical layer by adding extra functionality and expand the business scope

• Use feedback from the business to enhance the DV

Meet the need for a robust enterprise data bus

In a multi-applications environments, where data moves from one application to another, organisation often builds an enterprise data bus using technology like messaging system (like  WebSphere MQ).

DV offers alternative approach where integration is primary for reporting or read access. DV can provide an Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) based solution with consumer applications accessing virtual layer through web services using SOAP, REST or WSDL. DV layer sits on top of the source data layer and provides the target systems with an integrated view.

 

An agile approach to Business Intelligence (BI)

With DV approach, it is possible to build a visualised layer for a smaller set of functionality in short period (say, weeks). A few reports can be created to get the business to buy-in and progressively improve the virtual repository. In this approach, DV can gradually build an enterprise data model. This is an agile approach that it achieves fast deliver, flexibility and accurate result. The business can focus on core functionality instead of wasting time on resolving complex errors in non-essential data.

 

If you need further information or initial consultancy, please email mustafa@imexservices.co.uk for details.