10 Data Integration Predictions for 2015 (Part 1)

In 2014, we saw a great deal of change in the data integration landscape. Much of this change came as result of the increased production and discovery of more data from more data sources. We also saw an explosion in business intelligence which required better tools to move data into analytics tools. With so many distributed sources located globally, we also saw a need for faster data integration. All of these needs ignited a chain reaction resulting in various partnerships, feature advancements, improved versions, and re-strategies. I expect to see all of these trends and more in 2015 and I’ve taken a moment to illustrate this in my top 10 data integration predictions for 2015. Below are predictions 1 through 5.

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1) Data integration and business intelligence partner

Organizations are increasingly looking to analyze and make decisions using big data and they are realizing that one of the biggest challenges they must overcome is that their data is distributed across the states, countries, and continents. This has prompted a need to collected data from multiple distributed sources using data integration tools. This need has been the driving force for why business intelligence firms are partnering with data integration companies to offer more advanced integration capabilities. With companies such as Logi Analytics and Talend already partnered, I believe that we will see more of this in 2015.

2) Data integration meets Salesforce

In 2014, we saw Salesforce make one of the most memorable moves of the year. They entered the BI market. Leaning on their CRM customers loyalty, they strategically launched an easy to use BI platform with advanced analytics and visualization components. This ignited a cascade of new development from data integration companies looking to cash in on Salesforce’s projected market share in BI. Companies like Informatica and SnapLogic quickly developed connectors that integrate with Salesforce to accelerate data integration. Many other companies have already followed suit, but I predict many more will do the same in 2015.

3) DI for small and medium size businesses

Most SMBs are using multiple systems. However, none of these systems were really meant to communicate very well with one another, especially with the addition of new cloud applications. SMBs need help integrating different applications and are still in its infant stages when it comes to that type of integration. Part of the reason is because there are many operational obstacles in the way to to get that done successfully. You need programmers and a large IT staff who have very specialized skills to complete the task of data integration effectively. In 2014, companies like Scribe Software developed built-in functionality that would allow SMBs to integrate data without the need for a large IT staff. I believe that we will see more companies innovating towards this type of efficiency and focusing software for SMBs in 2015.

4) Expanded support of heterogeneous databases

Data is growing at a rapid rate, making it more complex for companies to effectively utilize that information to make confident business decisions that move the needle. In order to get more value from their data, companies must be able to migrate data across diverse data environments and low latency firewalls. In 2014, we saw companies like Oracle make advancements to their data integration tools by adding features that improve data replication between on-premise and cloud environments and across heterogeneous platforms. Next year we will see more heterogeneous databases and platforms and data integration companies updating versions of their software to accommodate this inevitable evolution of data.

5) The year of cloud data integration

In search of agility and lower costs, companies are storing many of their applications on the cloud. Since many companies are using the cloud and are also storing data and applications on premise, they are seeing data integration issues that reduce efficiency and agility. To overcome this, data integration companies and cloud companies will need to work together to allow customers to integrate and manage private and public data in the cloud. Data integration companies will need to provide stronger integration across multiple cloud and on premise software services, reducing the costs associated with possibly outsourcing the work. This year we saw T-Systems and Informatica partner up to deliver better cloud integration for their customers and in 2015 more cloud and data integration solutions companies will do the same.

Click here for data integration predictions 6 through 10.

Related sources:

https://business.itbusinessnet.com/article/Oracle-Advances-Data-Integration-Portfolio-With-Major-Enhancements-to-Oracle-GoldenGate-12c–3616039

https://www.businesscloudnews.com/2014/11/26/t-systems-informatica-buddy-up-on-big-data-in-the-cloud/

https://www.it-director.com/blogs/Laurie_McCabe/2014/12/how-scribe-software-solves-the-integration-puzzle-for-smbs.html

https://solutionsreview.com/data-integration/informaticas-new-solutions-accelerate-data-integration-with-salesforce1-lightning-connect-and-salesforce1-mobile-app/