“Edge” data integration is needed by organizations of all sizes. In many cases an enterprise class tool (typically a centralized monolithic deployment) is the best alternative if available but for many solutions it is not. Valid reasons for choosing “smaller tools”:
- ROI on traditional efforts using enterprise-class integration tools for small or isolated efforts is limited or blurred by infrastructure costs
- Limited external considerations and implications result in shorter (read less costly) and lower risk development cycles
- Independence from an enterprise platform leads to greater agility
None of the reasons justify skipping , version control, quality assurance and change management which are as critical to tactical “Edge” data integration efforts as they are to behemoth IT projects.
Coming soon … a methodology for tactical/edge data integrations!
Please do not interpret this as a call to load a datamart from an unsupported PC under your desk or prepare payroll advice on your laptop – There are cases were traditional efforts with an IT supported tool are best!
jbbaird said
Another reason …
Today’s matrix of compliance requirements and the intersection of SOX, PCI, HIPPA, Patriot Act, FERPA and others make compliance a constant (and critical) challenge. In some cases specific requirements are not defined and in others they are restrictively specific on the storage and access of data.
Compliance in an environment is a matter of process and policies but these take time and often iterative refinement. With tactical tools, compliance can be completed, validated and demonstrated more quickly and completely with more limited access points to the data – compliance is achievable on most platforms, but much easier to defend when absolute access is limited.