How does data federation work?

Data federation is a method that allows querying and combining data from multiple, varied sources without the need to move or consolidate data into a single repository. This approach addresses the challenges of data silos and enhances business insights by connecting disparate data sources, thus providing more flexibility and reducing costs associated with data movement and storage. Starburst Galaxy, utilizing the Trino SQL query engine, exemplifies this by offering a wide range of connectors to various data sources, including cloud and on-premise systems, NoSQL stores, and relational databases. This system allows for efficient querying and integration of data across multiple platforms, improving decision-making and organizational agility. Data federation is distinguished from data virtualization by its focus on integrating data for querying, whereas virtualization includes additional services such as metadata management and data abstraction. However, implementing data federation requires addressing challenges such as maintaining data quality, optimizing query performance, and managing security protocols across varied data environments.