Master data integration with these 12 data virtualization tools

List of data virtualization tools

1. Data Virtuality
2. IBM Cloud Pak
3. Actifio Virtual Data Pipeline
4. AtScale
5. Denodo
6. Informatica PowerCenter
7. CData
8. Datameer
9. Oracle Data Service Integrator
10. Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization
11. SAP HANA
12. TIBCO Data Virtualization

Data integration is a critical aspect of modern business operations. This process efficiently consolidates and utilizes vast amounts of data from various sources.

In data management, integrating and harmonizing multiple data sources is a key part of its operations.

One approach to data integration is through the use of data virtualization tools. Data virtuality allows companies to have a unified view of their data without the complexities of traditional extract, transform, load (ETL) processes.

This guide will explore data virtualization tools’ functions, essential features, and benefits. We’ll also list the top 12 software available today.

What are data virtualization tools?

Data virtualization tools simplify integrating data from various sources into a unified and accessible view. Such sources include databases, cloud platforms, and APIs.

These tools enable businesses to access and manipulate data from different origins without moving or duplicating it physically.

Instead, the software creates a virtual layer that presents information as a single source of truth to users and applications.

How is data virtualization done?

Data virtualization tools employ various techniques to access and combine data from diverse sources efficiently.

To deliver real-time access to integrated information, this kind of software uses:

• Intelligent caching mechanisms
• Query optimization algorithms
• Distributed processing capabilities

With these techniques, data virtualization tools ensure information can be accessed in a secure, scalable, and responsive manner.

Features to look for in data virtualization tools

When evaluating data virtualization tools, it’s important to consider the following features:

• Data source connectivity. The software should have a wide range of connectors and adaptors to connect to various sources seamlessly.
• Data transformation and mapping. Look for robust tools that transform and map data between different formats and schemas. This promotes compatibility and consistency.
• Real-time data access. Ensure the software offers real-time data access for up-to-date insights and analysis.
• Data abstraction. The tool should offer a way to abstract the complexities of underlying data structures, presenting a simplified view to users.
• Data aggregation. Aggregating and manipulating data on the fly is essential for meeting specific reporting and analysis needs.

Benefits of using data virtualization tools

The use of data virtualization tools offers a range of benefits to businesses, such as:

• Improved data quality. Data virtualization tools help improve data accuracy and consistency by combining and transforming data from different places.
• Reduced data redundancy. Data virtualization minimizes duplication, reducing the need to store multiple copies of the same information.
• Faster data access. By creating a virtual layer, data virtualization tools eliminate time-consuming data movement.
• Agile analytics. Data virtualization allows users to access and combine data from different sources. This facilitates agile analytics and quicker decision-making.
• Economical. With reduced data duplication and movement, there can be cost savings for storage and processing resources.

Top 12 data virtualization tools

In no particular order, here is a list of the top 12 popular data virtualization tools:

1. Data Virtuality

Data Virtuality is a powerful data integration platform that lets businesses connect, combine, and transform data from different sources.

It combines virtualization and ETL so it can work on large datasets. This tool offers various connectors and adaptors for seamless integration with databases, cloud platforms, and SaaS applications.

With advanced caching and optimization features, Data Virtuality ensures real-time access to integrated data. This empowers its users to make faster and data-driven decisions.

2. IBM Cloud Pak

IBM Cloud Pak is a comprehensive data virtualization solution that integrates data from on-premises systems and cloud platforms.

It offers built-in AI capabilities for intelligent data discovery and transformation, enabling faster insights and improved data quality.

With its containerized deployment approach, IBM Cloud Pak delivers flexibility and scalability. This makes it an ideal choice for organizations with diverse data integration needs.

3. Actifio Virtual Data Pipeline

Actifio Data Virtual Pipeline simplifies data integration and management across complex IT environments. 

It provides efficient data replication, backup, and virtualization, allowing organizations to access and use data from multiple sources in real time.

Actifio’s comprehensive data protection features ensure its consistency and integrity. This empowers users to optimize data availability and reduce operational complexities.

4. AtScale

AtScale is a data virtualization solution that can create a unified and scalable view of information, regardless of location or format.

It offers powerful data modeling and aggregation to create virtual models for efficient analysis and reporting.

With intelligent query optimization and caching mechanisms, AtScale delivers high-performance data access and query execution. This facilitates faster insights and improved decision-making.

5. Denodo

Denodo is a leading data virtualization platform that provides a unified and integrated view of information from multi-source environments. It offers a wide range of connectors and adaptors to connect to databases, cloud platforms, and web services.

Denodo’s advanced query optimization and caching techniques ensure real-time access to integrated data. This tool is popular among organizations seeking agile and efficient data integration solutions.

6. Informatica PowerCenter

Informatica PowerCenter is a robust data integration tool that connects, transforms, and delivers information from diverse origins to target systems.

It offers a visual interface for designing integration workflows and provides inclusive transformation capabilities. Informatica PowerCenter supports real-time and batch data processing, ensuring timely access to trusted data across the company.

7. CData

CData specializes in providing connectivity solutions for data virtualization. Its wide range of ODBC, JDBC, ADO.NET, and OData drivers allow easy integration with various data sources and applications.

With CData drivers, businesses can establish real-time connectivity to databases, cloud platforms, and popular APIs.

8. Datameer

Datameer is a data virtualization tool designed specifically for cloud data lakes.

It provides a semantic layer that allows users to access, integrate, and analyze data from multiple cloud-based sources without movement and duplication.

Datameer also offers advanced data governance and security features. This makes it a reliable choice for companies looking to leverage the power of their cloud data lakes.

9. Oracle Data Service Integrator

Oracle Data Service Integrator allows companies to develop and manage federated data services quickly.

It provides a unified view of disparate information and applies data quality rules and transformations to ensure consistency and reliability.

Oracle Data Service Integrator simplifies data integration with its intuitive user interface and extensive connectivity options. Plus, it allows organizations to unlock the value of their data assets.

10. Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization

Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization is an open-source data virtualization tool. It offers a robust and scalable platform for integrating structured and unstructured data, allowing seamless access and query execution.

Red Hat JBoss Data Virtualization supports real-time integration and provides advanced governance and security. It’s well-known among firms seeking flexible and secure data integration solutions.

11. SAP HANA

SAP HANA is a leading in-memory data platform with data virtualization capabilities.

It allows businesses to integrate and analyze data from multiple sources in real time. It also lets users get instant insights and eliminates the need for data replication.

With its advanced data modeling and transformation capabilities, SAP Hana can create a unified and trusted view of information.

12. TIBCO Data Virtualization

TIBCO Data Virtualization simplifies data connection and integration. It offers an array of connectors and adaptors for seamless integration with databases, cloud platforms, and enterprise applications.

TIBCO Data Virtualization also provides advanced data caching and query optimization capabilities. This ensures real-time access to integrated data and enables firms to gain valuable insights from their data assets.