Data Mesh

Many companies see a major challenge in exploiting the full potential of their data. Traditional, centralized data architectures (such as data warehouses or data lakes) often come up against organizational limits when it comes to scalability and flexibility. This is where data mesh comes into play – a paradigm shift in data architecture.

Data mesh is a decentralized approach to data architecture that is guided by the principles of domain-oriented architecture. Instead of collecting and managing data centrally, the data is placed in the area of responsibility of the departments (domains) that produce and use it.

1. Domain-oriented data responsibility: Departments (e.g. marketing, sales, risk management) are responsible for their data – from generation to maintenance to provision.
2. Data as a product: Data is not seen as a by-product, but as a standalone product with clear interfaces, documentation, and quality standards.
3. Self-service data infrastructure: A central platform provides the necessary tools and infrastructure for business departments to manage and deliver their data independently.
4. Federated Computational Governance: A framework of guidelines and standards ensures interoperability, security and compliance without restricting the autonomy of the business departments.

With this approach, the data mesh concept addresses the often encountered unclear content and technical responsibility for the content of a data lake. Responsibility is clearly handed over to the data-producing systems (“shift left”).