What is it that we want from our data architecture
This is the dream: We strive for a unified and usable data and analytic platform
Unified
We envision a system where users can go to a single place to get their data. This does not mean that the data needs to reside in a single location. A single point of access refers to a unified interface or entry point through which users can access multiple datasets or services on top of these datasets. Once users are there, they should be able to interact with a wide range of datasets integrated in such a way that they do not even realize they are dealing with data from disparate sources. The data appears to them as unified, supported by a cohesive data model.
Usable
Users should not need technical team support to consume the data and start utilizing it. They should be able to help themselves. Finally, any new type of data generated within the enterprise should be curated and integrated into the platform seamlessly. This ideal world does not yet exist, and we, as architects, need to strive to get close to it. The challenges are many, but technological innovations are helping us move in that direction.