If you thought data fabric was just another data buzzword - you might want to think again.

It appears a modern data fabric is in fact here to stay and will be foundational technology in most organizations’ AI innovations. A data fabric is a fully integrated layer of connected data and processes across a unified ecosystem. Even Microsoft is going all in on this data concept with their big Fabric announcement tomorrow.

Regardless of your architectural approach - delivering data success across an organization is a massive undertaking. At Fulton Analytics, we leverage our proprietary Data Success Framework to align people, process, and technology towards agile data transformation.

While I’ve seen many complex articles and explanations defining a modern data fabric - I’m going to boil it down to five simple concepts needed for data success.

Consumption Based Architecture

At the heart of a modern data fabric is seamless distribution, access, and integration of data across a unified ecosystem. Flip your architecture diagram around - data fabric all starts with the end-user. Meeting the needs of the end-user and delivering tangible value is critical to an organization’s data success. A data fabric will enable business users with centralized and certified datasets. Microsoft has doubled down on this concept with Semantic Models.

Artificial Intelligence Readiness

A data fabric built properly will allow an organization to win in the era of Artificial Intelligence. We are on the precipice of an AI revolution and data is the fuel powering this innovation. Organizations who embrace the seamless integration and virtualization of a data fabric to store unstructured data will have a distinct advantage across their AI and predictive analytics initiatives. Companies need a mechanism to store large amounts of unstructured data to be used for future AI applications. While generative AI is all the talk - companies cannot afford to ignore their own internal AI readiness efforts and the importance of a data fabric ecosystem.

Agile Data Innovation

A modern data strategy will allow organizations to throw out their old waterfall habits. A data-fabric will allow organizations to be nimble and agile in building their data organization. While business needs are constantly changing, data success often requires organizations to be increasingly flexible. A data fabric provides the agility to seamlessly access, integrate, model, analyze, and provision data.

Data Standarization

Every organization has complex data needs. Data standardization, reliability, and governance are at the core of a modern data fabric. Organizations must trust their data - along with the people and processes that deliver it to their fingertips. A data fabric puts a premium on data stewardship, data lineage, and data management efforts championed by the business. Together these things build organizational trust and an environment where true data transformation can place.

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Analytics Enablement

Data success isn’t a destination - it’s a journey. Data success is a mindset. A modern data fabric enables an organization to focus on continuous growth, user adoption, and driving data literacy. However, data-driven innovation is never finished. Data Success requires a mindset and approach that keeps evolving along with the changing business needs, cultural challenges, and emerging technologies.

Being Fabric Forward

Lastly, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer complexity and technical nuances of a data fabric implementation. Embrace a growth mindset toward data fabric and AI innovation. Focusing on the five key concepts above, will help ensure that your data-driven journey stays on the right course.

Contact us If you want to learn more about Microsoft Fabric, data fabric implementations, or how our Data Success Framework has helped us become a trusted Microsoft Data Partner.

Contact: data-fabric@fultonanalytics.com