Summary

In this chapter, we defined Data Fabric and its characteristics–highly automated, use case agnostic, Self-Service, strong Data Governance, Privacy, and Protection, supports decentralized, federated, and centralized Data Governance, event and active metadata driven, interoperable, and has a composable architecture. We discussed why this architecture is important, including its ability to effectively address data silos, data democratization, establish trusted fit for purpose data while addressing business and technical needs. We introduced the core building blocks of a Data Fabric design (Data Governance, Data Integration, and Self-Service) and its principles. We reviewed the role and value of Data Fabric’s knowledge layer, uses active metadata as the glue that intelligently connects data across an ecosystem. We also defined the various Data Governance models that Data Fabric supports.

In the next chapter, we will dive into the business value that Data Fabric architecture offers. We will discuss how the components that make up the backbone of Data Fabric derive business value that leads to profit and cost savings.