For enterprise data to be usable by AI, it must meet a defined set of criteria, spanning dataset properties, metadata, infrastructure, and governance. Our research examines one architectural pattern that is emerging as a means of operationalising this AI-readiness: the data fabric. Drawing on industry analyst reports, public information on 17 data fabric technologies, and an expert interview, this piece sets out what a data fabric does, and how it supports the criteria required for AI-ready enterprise data.
Why do data fabrics matter?
Centralising distributed enterprise data is costly, slow, and introduces a single point of failure. A data fabric offers a practical alternative: connecting data across silos, jurisdictions, and infrastructure to build the foundation required for AI and autonomous agents to be deployed safely at scale.
Next steps
This research was conducted as part of our partnership with SAP on the Interchange for Data and Enterprise AI (IDEA), and will inform further work exploring AI and data ecosystems with individual enterprises. Organisations wishing to be involved can get in touch at [email protected].
