Data virtualization is a technology that coordinates real-time or near real-time data from different sources into coherent, self-service data services. This process supports a range of business applications and workloads, enabling data to be accessed and connected in real time without the need for replication or movement. Data virtualization streamlines data access from structured databases, data warehouses, and similar storage solutions.
In practice, data virtualization brings all required data together and presents it in a way that appears as if it's in a single database, even though it resides in different sources. This function is important to organizations that need timely data analytics, where fast data processing, access to live data, and performance are crucial. By transforming data from disparate systems into a unified view, data virtualization allows accessibility through a local database or, in some cases, a cloud-native connectivity interface. This approach enables real-time access to diverse data sources, ensuring data is readily available for various applications without the complexities and delays often associated with traditional data integration methods.
