Accelerating Enterprise Digital Transformation with a Next Generation Database

Chapter 3. Finding the Digital Transformation Path

Chapter 2 described several metrics that can be found in a next-generation database solution. For many organizations, reaching that solution is not easily accomplished, given the limitations on the organization, both internally and externally. Beyond technical challenges that can sometimes occur when operating at scale, the discussion around enterprise digital transformation can require different business units to reach a compromise that enables the organization to move forward. No longer can data silos from legacy applications drive the organization. Instead, value needs to be found in siloed data by integrating it with other data.

Designing successful IT architectures requires striking a balance between the desire for performance and reliability and the cost of providing that desired level of performance and reliability. Ideally, the architecture would perform at a level that provides instant results, and reliability would result in 100% uptime from all locations at all times. For small and trivial workloads, designing an infrastructure to support these needs may be possible.

However, at scale providing instant access and 100% reliability quickly becomes prohibitively difficult. Cost itself is not the only factor. At scale, the technology itself frequently requires significant redesign to meet the needs of a digitally native organization. This chapter examines some of the factors involved in reaching the digital transformation ...