What is Data Virtualization?

From SearchOracle.com…

The typical enterprise today runs multiple types of database management systems (DBMSs), such as Oracle and SQL Server, which weren’t designed to play well together.

Combine those issues with the fact that — as a result of the proliferation of data-retention regulations like The Sarbanes-Oxley Act — enterprises today are seeing an unprecedented rise in the amount of data they store, and you’ve got one heck of a data integration challenge on your hands.

“Data integration is getting harder all the time, and we believe [one of the causes] of that is that data volumes are continuing to grow,” Yuhanna said. “[But] you really need data integration because it represents value to the business, to the consumers and to the partners. They want quality data to be able to make better business decisions.”

My Thoughts…

I like this definition of data virtualization – ‘Aggregate data from disparate sources to create a logical, single virtual view of information for use by front end solutions such as applications, dashboards, portals, etc.’

Why the push for data virtualization?  Forrester says that business users want fast, real-time and reliable information to make business decisions; while IT wants to lower costs, minimize complexity and improve operational efficiency.

Potential Benefits include:

Increase revenues through improved product/service offerings, improved customer support, faster market response, etc.

Decrease costs through fewer physical repositories; lower hardware, software and facilities costs; reliable operation; and greater collaboration.

Reduce risk through access to more complete, fresher data delivered through a web user interface in real-time.

Your Thoughts…

Has your company addressed these issues?