But there’s more to a data or analytics project than simply deciding to migrate to a modern database platform like Microsoft Azure. Whilst seamless data migration is at the heart of a secure and efficient data and analytics project, there are five important factors a business must consider before getting started. These factors include technology, insights, governance, partners, and planning. They pose both challenges and opportunities that will shape the course of any data project.
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Technology is the backbone of any large data and analytics project. But as technologies have become more advanced, data projects have become more complex. Predictive analysis, data visualisation and machine learning can be leveraged at different stages of data projects to deliver a range of valuable outputs. Businesses must go beyond knowing what has already happened to producing technology-driven insights for future growth.
Many large data projects require the expertise of specialist partners to determine which software, technology and approach is most appropriate, and how maximum value can be achieved. Data#3’s Data Estate Assessment was designed to determine the technology solutions and migration approaches that are needed to optimise data, leading to successful business transformation. Understanding the capabilities of available technologies and data tools enables the business to make sound decisions about how and why it should migrate appropriate workloads to Azure.
Well-intentioned business leaders often dive headfirst into data analysis and collection, before fully defining the outcomes and goals they are working towards. Such outcomes could include reduced security risks, faster time to market, or simply making business decisions based on insight.
Before data is collected, organisations must determine the core business processes, applications and operations that can be improved through smart use of data. Time spent defining key performance indicators, and building a picture of what ‘success’ looks like, will keep your business laser-focused on relevant data.
Data governance informs every step of a data project and creates the building blocks for successful data migration. When data is moved across on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments, new data governance strategies and tools are required. A good governance strategy should outline how data from different workloads will be consolidated to Azure and what protections are in place to avoid data inconsistencies. This will ultimately generate more accurate data analysis, which in turn ensures better decision making and outcomes.
Azure Purview is a cloud service that supports leaders as they implement and enforce organisation-wide governance. Together with Data#3 ’s team of compliance specialists, Purview makes it easier for businesses to take action in cases of non-compliance, which ensures a more reliable data and analytics project.
Every data and analytics project poses a series of challenges. Along each step of the data journey – from migration and data capture to reporting and analytics – technical problems can arise that limit the success of the project. The good news: many of these problems can be avoided altogether with the right partner.
Because many businesses lack the specific expertise and resources in-house to gain actionable insights from their data, they are increasingly choosing to join forces with an Azure Expert MSP like Data#3.
A data and analytics project partner should first and foremost understand the project goals and how best to unlock the most value possible from available data. Data#3 offers a range of services and facilities, including our Data Innovation Studio, Data Estate Assessments and Data Migration. These services help create a unique roadmap featuring scalable and affordable solutions, with accurately forecast cost. This leads to a predictable, managed outcome from your data and analytics project, from planning through to migration and delivery.
Data and analytics projects are always evolving. For non-technical leaders, it can be challenging to keep up with changing data, advancing technology, and new stakeholder demands.
Modern businesses are encouraged to lean on self-service intelligence and automated solutions to ensure continuous improvement of data insights. But whilst Azure’s database and analytics architectures can independently facilitate the collection and analysis of data, organisations must consider if they have the resources and knowledge to tap into more advanced capabilities – particularly if they rely on legacy IT systems.
Data#3 offers both business stakeholder and technical workshops to capture business use cases. They convey vital architectural considerations that must be navigated in a continuously evolving data strategy. This allows you to cut through the myriad of options and simplify your data architecture.
Microsoft Azure is an advanced catalyst for successful data and analytics projects but migrating to Azure is only the first step. Before embarking on any project, businesses should carefully consider every stage and solution involved as they transform raw data into intelligence.
To learn more about unlocking the true value of your data and analytics project, using the power of Data#3’s expertise and Microsoft’s technologies, we invite you to get in touch.
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1 https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/five-facts-how-customer-analytics-boosts-corporate-performance