DataOps Accelerates Scalable Enterprise AI, ISG Says

Enterprises are adopting agile, responsive data processes to support trusted, reliable implementations of AI and automation, according to new research from global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm Information Services Group (ISG) (Nasdaq: III).

The ISG Buyers Guide for DataOps, produced by ISG Software Research, provides the rankings and ratings of more than 30 software providers and their products for the application of agile development, DevOps and lean manufacturing by data engineering professionals in support of data production. The ISG Buyers Guide for DataOps also addresses the development, testing, deployment and orchestration of data pipelines. The research finds that through 2027, more than half of enterprises will have adopted agile and collaborative data operations practices to be more responsive, avoid repetitive tasks and accelerate AI programs.

ISG has also published separate guides covering two other product categories related to DataOps. The ISG Buyers Guide for Data Observability rates and ranks 21 providers of products for the detection, resolution and prevention of data reliability issues. The ISG Buyers Guide for Data Products evaluates 27 providers of software for development, classification, consumption, discovery and management of data products.

“DataOps practices are increasingly essential for accelerating data-driven strategies,” said Matt Aslett, director of research, Analytics and Data, for ISG Software Research. “With processes that adapt to new requirements and tools that tightly control data reliability, companies can continuously improve operations in alignment with business objectives through trusted data pipelines and data products.”

DataOps represents a significant departure from traditional approaches to data management, which use rigid tools and practices for manual, batch-based practices, the research finds. It takes inspiration from DevOps, the philosophy, tools and practices used for continuous delivery of software amid constant change. DataOps enables organizations to continuously process and deliver data as application and business requirements evolve, facilitating the implementation of AI and automation.

Enterprises increasingly prioritize DataOps products that address a combination of data pipeline development, data orchestration and data observability to avoid the cost and complexity of using multiple tools, ISG finds.

Data pipeline development, testing and deployment is fundamental to effective data-driven strategies, enabling companies to take data from operational applications and transport it into platforms that enable business decision-making. Healthy data pipelines ensure data is ingested, processed and loaded in the sequence needed to generate business intelligence and AI.