Data Virtualization
Between the storage and application layers of an application stack there are database layers. Data virtualization software sits between the database and the OS to decouple these data base layers and virtualizes the data store resources.
Source databases generally require a large storage footprint, but the benefit of virtualized database resources is that they require a much smaller storage footprint. Virtual data copies use pointer to data blocks, which in turn provides access to data that is already in place.
Data virtualization also enables the secure management and distribution of policy-governed virtual copies of datasets that are production quality. It generates block-mapped virtual copies of the database for distribution, regardless of the database management system or source database location, and leaves only a minimal storage footprint even of the number of copies used is incredibly high.
Benefits of Data Virtualization
Data virtualization improves enterprises’ flexibility and speed of innovation, allowing them to keep up with a market that is rapidly evolving. It provisions production-quality data to development and test environments and increases the efficiency of the release cycle. This improved efficiency allows for faster and better assessment, diagnosis, and resolution to errors.
In effect, data virtualization improves speed, efficiency, and quality. Data virtualization creates virtual data copies that are readable and writeable, meaning they can be quickly provisioned or eliminated. This process is much faster than relying on DBAs and slow serial ticketing systems.
Additionally, data virtualization technology assists the data delivery process throughout each step of application development. As opposed to having developers and testers continuously request data, and consequently wait weeks for it, data virtualization is far more efficient. It removes long wait states in the software delivery cycle and facilitates a faster application delivery process. This helps issues with waiting, missed test cases, and even undetected data errors.
The following lists more data virtualization capabilities and benefits:
- Provides rapid, scalable, and lightweight virtual databases copies through UI or API for agile development goals
- Creates scaled replicas of data from production to non-production environments, regardless of on-premises or cloud status.
- Gives information security departments data controls to monitor and control data usage
- Minimizes storage use and maximizes testing
Data Virtualization Technology Use Cases and Systems
- DevOps: Data virtualization helps DevOps teams deliver production-quality data to necessary recipients throughout all phases of application development.
- ERP Upgrades: Data virtualization improves the efficiency of ERP projects by eliminating complexity, lowering TCO, and accelerating projects with the delivery of virtual data copies to ERP teams.
- Cloud Migration: Data virtualization can assist in the process of cloud migration by securely replacing TB-size datasets from on-premise to the cloud.
- Analytics and Reporting: Virtual copies of data can create a safe testing environment for creating complex queries and reports. Data virtualization also makes it easier to access data from various sources for business intelligence projects, like master data management, mergers and acquisitions, and global financial reporting.