Data Mesh vs. Data Fabric: Differences and What to Choose

You use data for every business decision. Sometimes, the data is easily available like when it’s time to send out payroll. Other times, data is a little harder to find and access and this can slow down business operations. 

What about sharing information across departments? Just imagine how this can streamline projects and encourage collaboration. Managing data is often a priority and there are solutions like data mesh and data fabric. 

Today, we’re taking a look at the surprising advantages of implementing data center fabric and the benefits of data mesh adoption. This way, you’re in a far better position to make the right choice for your organization.

Understanding Data Mesh vs. Data Fabric Architectures

At first glance, the two types of architecture can seem almost the same. Both work to manage data more efficiently, are easily scalable and cost about the same to implement. However, this is where the similarities end.

Data Mesh

This type of architecture allows teams to more easily manage their data. Think of it as helping to ensure departments retain control over the data they use to complete their tasks. Data mesh relies on the original systems and data sources to create products that are business-centered.

If you’re not familiar with the term products beyond what you purchase in the store, the concept is similar. Products can be anything from the software your teams use to a data-driven platform or even an app. If it’s delivering data to a user, it’s often considered a product.

With that out of the way, a data mesh makes it easier for your teams to access their necessary information. A potential downside of a data mesh approach is it doesn’t always encourage sharing across your various departments.

Data Fabric

Data fabric architecture is gaining in popularity; the architecture has been around for a couple of decades but it’s only recently attracting attention. 

The architecture takes a metadata-driven approach to connect all of your data tools. Even if your business data is stored in multiple locations, the fabric connects all repositories to a centralized location, usually your data center.

Using data fabric allows all authorized departments and personnel to access and share business data. One department doesn’t have control over the data, it’s accessible to all stakeholders. Collaboration increases, along with efficiency. You can even find data fabric solutions for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

A Side-By-Side Comparison

Sometimes, it helps to compare the two types of data center architectures side-by-side. Their similarities can make it difficult to choose the right approach to improve data management.

Data mech relies on the information’s owner or product to create requirements. If you want to compare this year’s sales to the previous year, you’ll need to provide the parameters. Data fabric relies more on automation, which not only simplifies the process but it can also provide more in-depth insights. 

Instead of only receiving the sales figures for this and last year, you can review data that can give you insights into how to potentially boost sales.

While a data fabric automates connecting, locating, organizing, and delivering the information, a data mesh relies on organizational users. This does give departments a little more control over what information is shared with other teams. However, manually managing the data can easily turn into a full-time job. The added responsibility can easily overwhelm team members.

The Advantages of Data Fabric

You probably already have a general idea of some of the benefits data fabric can bring to your organization. Having your data in a centralized location makes it easier to manage and access. 

Since all of your data is connected, it’s easier to find patterns. Teams regardless of their departments can also seamlessly share data. Your HR department can share information with the staff in engineering.

• When data is readily available, business operations typically improve. For some business owners, this is enough to get them started adopting a data fabric approach. However, these aren’t the only benefits a data fabric can bring to your business.
• Costs for managing and maintaining data are reduced. Don’t forget, that data fabric is automated and this means employees are spending less time searching for the necessary information. The cost savings can be significant and even help offset the adoption costs. Even though you’re working within your existing data center infrastructure, you’re still going to need to purchase additional components like switches.

Another advantage you don’t want to overlook is the ability to receive insights and analytics in real time. You can make informed business decisions that can give you an edge over your competitors. Whether it’s wondering if you need to increase inventory for an upcoming sale or ensure you have enough staff to handle an event, you’ll have the information you need.

Benefits of Data Mesh

Even though data fabric is a popular approach to data management, it doesn’t mean you should ignore the potential benefits of data mesh. Every business is unique and a data fabric approach may not necessarily be the way to go.

With data mesh, departments can retain ownership of their information, and this can help ensure data security. Since data isn’t being shared with all stakeholders, each department retains some control. Data mesh also breaks down large blocks of data into more manageable sections. This also includes your organization’s metadata.

Data mesh may also be more cost-effective in the long run, but this varies. Don’t forget that each department is responsible for managing their data. You may need to bring in additional personnel to assist with data governance.

Which Approach Is Right For Your Business?

You want your data to be easily accessible and understandable. After all, without data, you can’t make effective decisions that help your business grow. You have a few options on how you improve data management and each one has distinct advantages. 

Data mesh allows departments to manage their information. Data mesh takes a more automated approach. Reviewing the benefits and your business’s needs will make it easier to choose the best solution for your business.