DataOps-as-a-Service (DaaS): 6 Reasons Why You’ll Fall in Love - and What to Do About It
I love my CPA.
Mostly, I love feeling relieved that an expert is handling my taxes. He’s saved me from costly mistakes and penalties, advised me on money-saving deductions, and saved me from spending countless hours in misery. He’s practically a hero, and when it comes to protecting an asset as important as my money, I’m glad to pay for expert help.
Of course, individuals and organizations employ all types of professional services to help protect and make the best use of important assets — even in our virtual world.
With many now regarding data as their organization’s “SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET,” it makes sense to see more and more business and IT leaders seeking outside data experts for help with managing their data more strategically.
And it’s also no surprise to find more and more of these leaders falling in love with DataOps-as-a-Service (DaaS).
If this sounds corny, let me explain.
DataOps
DataOps has become highly respected as an important “AMPLIFIER OF DATA AND ANALYTICS BUSINESS VALUE.” More than a nickname for “data operations,” DataOps is a collaborative and agile approach to data management that aims to improve the speed, quality, and reliability of data and analytics.
Performed correctly, DataOps streamlines data workflows so organizations can analyze a much higher volume of data, with a much higher degree of efficiency, than ad hoc data management. This allows for continuous data delivery and integration — critical for deploying advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
DATAOPS INVOLVES A TEAM of cross-functional data experts. Whether internal or outsourced, team membership may vary, but key roles include: a data engineer, DataOps engineer, data scientist, business or data analyst, data architect, and project manager.
Teams oversee and perform all duties related to streamlining and managing data workflows, automating processes, and ensuring data quality and consistency.
Specific DataOps processes and responsibilities generally include: data integration, data pipeline management, data storage, data security, and more, depending on the organization’s needs.
DataOps can also standardize auditable and repeatable data workflows — particularly important for compliance with data privacy regulations, like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
If you’ve already fallen in love with DataOps, that’s understandable.
But keep reading, there’s more…
6 Reasons Why You’ll Fall in Love With DataOps-as-a-Service (DaaS)
Now let’s count the reasons you’ll love DataOps-as-a-Service.
- With DaaS, organizations access DataOps services right away, without huge upfront capital expenditures or months spent trying to hire the right team members in a tight labor market.
- DaaS teams with sufficient business and data experience can onboard quickly and get right to work implementing DataOps practices. In very little time, you’ll realize improved data quality, cost reductions, easier compliance with regulatory requirements, and more.
- DaaS is seldom a one-size-fits-all solution, but don’t worry. Service providers (at least, Wimmer service providers) will work closely with your business and IT leaders to design and implement the right-fit DataOps solutions for your unique needs.
- Relieved of data management duties, in-house staff have more time to focus on supporting important internal projects, ones that more closely align to your organization’s core competencies.
- In addition to the speed and agility inherent to DataOps, DaaS is typically scalable. This means your designated DataOps team can adjust or expand services to quickly adapt to changing priorities or business objectives.
- Last (but definitely not least), DaaS service providers may include additional features and benefits, such as:
- Infrastructure and tools
- Data-related enhancements and improvements
- Expertise and support with data analysis
- Real-time monitoring of data quality and performance
- Incident management
- Automated backups
- Disaster recovery
Now that you’ve fallen head over heels for DataOps-as-a-Service, what should you do about it?
Switching to third-party DataOps-as-a-Service
Switching over data management operations from in-house to a third-party provider does require careful planning and execution, but we’ve got you covered.
Here are a few tips that can help make your transition a smooth experience.
- Choose the right service provider. Not all DaaS providers offer the same level of experience or expertise. Look for a proven track record and good reputation.
- Define the scope of work. Once you've chosen a service provider, define the scope of work you need and provide as many relevant details as possible. For instance, you might list specific tasks to be performed, the data sources to be used, and any timelines or milestones for the project.
- Establish clear communication with internal stakeholders and your service provider. Clear communication is critical for a smooth transition. Your service provider should appoint a dedicated point of contact to answer questions and keep the transition team updated.
- Monitor and review. Once the transition is complete, regularly monitor and review your service provider’s performance. This will help both parties identify potential issues so you can adjust your SLA as needed.
Conclusion
Experienced DaaS providers help organizations in every sector level-up their data management. And ready access to experienced data professionals brings a number of bonus benefits. For instance:
- Sidestep challenges related to skilled labor shortages
- Save money with fewer up-front capital expenditures
- Improve data quality
- Respond quickly to changing business needs
- Expand internal knowledge of new, robust data strategies
And more. So many, in fact… you just may fall in love.
Considering DataOps-as-a-Service for your organization? Our experienced and highly skilled data experts at Wimmer Solutions will be happy to take data management off your plate.
Contact us for a consultation today.
