10/09/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/09/2024 11:02
Data integration architecture is the glue that binds an organization together. However, many enterprises now recognize that conventional, centralized solutions for managing and accessing data are failing. A distributed data approach is essential to give everyone access to the data they need when they need it.
The data fabric and data mesh are among a few ideas that aim to enable the transformation of traditional data integration architecture and open the door to distributed networks. Crucially, all these ideas are built on the principle that data is a valuable asset in its own right. By sharing and managing that data more effectively, its value to the organization is further enhanced.
All these approaches strive to create a unified data environment. However, none of these ideas propose a specific technological solution. Altair® Graph Studio™ hosts a synergistic technology for your data integration architecture called a knowledge graph. Knowledge graphs offer a highly effective means of achieving your organization's data analytics goals.
Before considering the benefits of a knowledge graph, let's review the limitations of a conventional data integration architecture.
Centralization of data is the most obvious failure mode. Any solution called a "database" supervised by a "data manager" encourages storing data in a single location.
This central depository will almost invariably need to scale out simultaneously in several dimensions to combine information from multiple sources. Numerous types of data must be integrated and represented. What's more, data delivery will need to consistently meet the organization's performance requirements.
Centralized data solutions will always struggle to achieve these critical objectives. The inherent weaknesses of centralization include:
None of these issues are new. But in the current environment, they create powerful headwinds. As a result, the arguments in favor of a new approach to data are compelling:
In recent years, many organizations have utilized a knowledge graph to deliver flexible, insightful analysis within a single application. However, a knowledge graph is a distributed system by design, meaning it can be employed well beyond the scope of a standalone application. At the same time, one of the basic tenets of a data fabric is that data integration architecture should be flexible enough to adapt to any new technology. Organizations can therefore achieve a successful data fabric by harnessing the multiple benefits of a knowledge graph:
Knowledge graphs won't be another warehousing application in an enterprise, adding another application to your enterprise. Rather, knowledge graphs become the backbone of a distributed data fabric, enabling the interoperability of data sources across the enterprise.
A data fabric is more than just a design concept for data integration architecture. Implementation requires rethinking how data is perceived and treated.
The knowledge graph represents a proven and accessible technology solution for building a successful data fabric. However, cultural change must come first. This requires an iterative approach that addresses resistance from within the organization. For example, developers may tend to see the problem as "just another application" that must be built. In reality, a sea change in the perception of data is required. Similarly, data scientists may be inclined to focus on the problem in front of them, rather than consider the bigger picture.
To overcome such hurdles, the best strategy is to start small and create a single application that demonstrates the knowledge graph's ability to deliver business value. At the same time, the project team should operate on the basis that this initial application will form the first stitch in their organization's new data fabric.
Some of the basic principles to follow include the following:
In the short term, this pilot application should offer powerful collateral for overcoming internal inertia. In the long term, the knowledge graph's inherent scalability will provide a springboard for the journey to a new data fabric.
For any ambitious enterprise that wants to make full use of its data, reimaging data integration architecture is no longer a luxury - the data fabric has become an essential business asset. To learn how Altair can help transform your organization's data integration architecture, visit https://altair.com/altair-graph-studio or contact us.