The True Value of Data Virtualization: Beyond Buzzwords` Data virtualization aims to provide seamless access and management of data from various sources, but its marketing often highlights appealing concepts like real-time data access and cost savings. However, this perspective doesn't capture the full picture for those involved in data integration implementation, such as historical data analysis and legitimate scenarios where data movement is justified. The declarative approach, which abstracts away control flow logic and allows practitioners to describe desired results, is a key advantage of data virtualization, accelerating processes up to five times by automating intricate steps. By understanding this core benefit, businesses can truly leverage the technology's capabilities, resulting in more efficient and effective data integration strategies.