Data fabric
Data fabric definition
Data fabric is a data architecture approach to creating unified environments for managing vast amounts of information in distributed systems. Data fabrics architecture aims to maximize value from data assets and accelerate digital transformation.
See also: public cloud infrastructure, cloud attack, cloud sandboxing, platform security
Data fabric advantages
Data fabric architecture integrates data from multiple sources to give users a transparent overview of multiple interconnected processes. This integration of both structured and unstructured data lets analysts make decisions in real-time, based on observed changes in the flow of information.
Data fabric architecture also prioritizes easy access to information no matter where it is stored — on-premises data centers, the cloud, or edge devices. This information can be rapidly shifted between different systems while maintaining data consistency.
Data fabric architecture is particularly useful for hybrid or multi-cloud environments, where data is typically distributed across a greatly dispersed infrastructure.
Data fabric use cases
- IoT data: Aggregating, integrating, analyzing IoT device data in real time.
- Supply chains: Improving supply chain visibility by integrating data from different partners, suppliers, and distribution centers.
- Customer experience: Improving the customer experience using data from various sources, such as CRM systems, social media platforms, and customer support interactions.
- Fraud detection: Analyzing data from multiple channels (such as information relating to transactions, user behavior, and historical record) to detect patterns indicative of fraudulent activities.
- Healthcare: Integrating diverse data streams to improve patient care coordination, enable research, and enhance clinical decision-making.