Consistent and complete access to data opens many possibilities for organizations. One way to gain better data visibility is through data virtualization. Data virtualization allows businesses to collectively view enterprise data gathered from many different sources.
Connection to More Data
Data virtualization allows business users to access internal and external data without the need to know how or where the data is stored. Users can access structured and unstructured data simply by searching for common business terms.
Experimentation
Data virtualization allows users to experiment with new ideas to gain and use data. This leads to business growth. There is also less risk of serious downtime, users can detect, examine, and fix any data problems that might occur quickly and easily. Customized virtual views enable business users to request new data and quickly put it to use.
Quick Response Times
Instant change is becoming a requirement in business. Virtualization enables an adaptable data environment, which in turn increases overall business agility. Virtualization also reduces downtime risks since it allows users to detect, examine, and fix any issues quickly.
Fewer Risks
Data access violations and inaccurate reports can not only result in fines and penalties, but can also irreparably damage a business's brand. Data virtualization can all but erase the risk of this damage by:
- Allowing users to see data in real time
- Removing inaccuracies that can be caused by batch job reports
- Implementing security controls that allow users to only see what they need to see
- Data masking to keep sensitive data like personal and financial information safe
- Utilizing a centralized server that instantly secures new data according to business rules
Improved Decision Making
Complete, accurate, and updated information allows businesses to make better decisions. With data virtualization, businesses can make decisions based on the most current and accurate information. Users with access privileges receive the data in real-time.
A fully integrated data environment means that IT department no longer spends its time on expensive data integration projects. IT is efficiently able to pull data from different sources and quickly present complete, current, and accurate information to business users.
Virtualization allows businesses to use data in ways nearly impossible through traditional data integration. By providing an integrated view of real-time information from disparate data sources, data virtualization allows access to quality information that can benefit any business.