Datalink Networks Blog

2024 Updates for Microsoft Purview Data Governance

Written by Amanda Rindt | Aug 26, 2024 10:23:20 PM

We’re excited to share some great news from our partner, Microsoft! The new Microsoft Purview Data Governance solution will be generally available starting September 1, 2024. This AI-powered, business-friendly, and unified solution is designed to help data leaders address their most pressing governance and security challenges. Since its launch in April 2024, usage has surged by over 400%, with more than 1,500 commercial entities actively engaged in data governance activities.

Additionally, we’re excited to introduce new innovations, including an embedded Copilot in Microsoft Purview for data governance, deeper integrations with Microsoft Fabric, and an expanded partner network to help organizations confidently activate their data estates. In this post, we’ll discuss the evolving challenges in today’s data landscape and explore how Microsoft Purview Data Governance is empowering customers to build a federated, data-driven culture.

As a certified Microsoft Solutions Partner, Datalink Networks is here to help you navigate these exciting developments and leverage the power of Microsoft’s latest innovations in data governance.

Learn how to effectively protect your organization's sensitive data through robust information security governance practices!

 



Security and Governance: A Unified Approach

In today’s complex environment, where cyberattacks are more sophisticated, regulations are increasing, and data estates are expanding, business leaders are under pressure to adopt a unified strategy for AI readiness. Microsoft Purview offers a comprehensive set of solutions that help organizations secure, govern, and manage their data, no matter where it resides.

The unification of data security and governance capabilities within Microsoft Purview reflects our commitment to simplifying data management for our customers, enabling them to confidently democratize their data in the AI era.

Overcoming Data Governance Challenges

Data governance is more than just technology; it’s about people and processes. Without a clear vision, strategy, and roadmap, organizations often struggle to align stakeholders, define roles, and communicate the benefits of data governance. This can lead to low adoption and resistance to change.

Data leaders face four key challenges when implementing governance solutions:

1. Fragmentation: Relying on multiple tools can create blind spots and make it difficult to maintain consistent data quality, security, and compliance.

2. Labor-Intensive Tasks: Manual processes like data classification, metadata management, and compliance reporting are time-consuming.

3. Centralized Governance: A centralized approach can stifle innovation, leading to shadow IT where business units, often marketing and sales teams, resort to unauthorized tools.

4. Technical Interfaces: A poor user experience can limit participation, leaving data governance centralized around IT.

Microsoft Purview Data Governance: AI-Powered, Business-Friendly, and Unified

Microsoft Purview’s modern data governance solution is designed to address these challenges, drawing on years of applied learning and proven practices from their own data transformation journey. This solution is grounded in three core principles:

  • AI-Powered: AI is integrated at every level to automate manual tasks, accelerate data curation, and simplify data discovery. For example, data stewards can now automatically generate data quality rules, saving hours of manual work, while data consumers can quickly find data products using natural language.

 

  • Business-Friendly: The new experience supports multiple functions across an organization, with clear role definitions. The Data Catalog serves as an enterprise repository to help data stewards and data owners curate assets and enable responsible data democratization. The data health capability ensures data quality and alignment with industry standards, and built-in reports assess the health of governance practices across the organization.

 

  • Unified: The integrated Microsoft Purview portal provides a centralized solution for data classification, labeling, lineage, audit logging, and management across various platforms, including Microsoft Fabric. This unified approach reduces the need for fragmented solutions, saving time and costs while improving visibility and governance.

 


What’s New in Microsoft Purview?



The upcoming general availability of Microsoft Purview brings with it several exciting innovations:

- Embedded Copilot in Microsoft Purview (Preview): Microsoft is introducing a Copilot feature to guide users through the data governance process. This AI-driven assistant will recommend best practices, helping your team quickly discover, curate, and manage data with ease.

- Deeper Integration with Microsoft Fabric (Preview): Microsoft Purview will now offer tighter integration with Microsoft Fabric, allowing you to create custom reports and enhance data quality management for any supported Fabric source.

- Expanded Partner Network: Microsoft is expanding its partner ecosystem, and we’re thrilled to see new integrations with ER Studio for data modeling and RELTIO for master data management. These additions, along with existing partners like CluedIn and Profisee, will further enhance your data governance capabilities.

 



Why This Matters for Your Business



The challenges of data governance can be daunting. Fragmented tools, labor-intensive processes, and the need for a unified strategy are just a few of the hurdles that organizations face. Microsoft Purview addresses these challenges head-on with a comprehensive solution that simplifies data governance, enhances security, and empowers your teams to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

As your trusted partner, Datalink Networks is committed to helping you make the most of these new capabilities. Whether you’re just beginning your data governance journey or looking to enhance your existing strategies, we’re here to provide the expertise and support you need to succeed.



Get Started with Microsoft Purview Today



Now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of Microsoft Purview for your organization. Log on to the Microsoft Purview portal and start experimenting with the data governance features available under the “Data Catalog” section. If you’d like to learn more or need assistance, Datalink Networks is ready to help you every step of the way.

For additional resources, check out the following:

- Microsoft Purview Data Governance Learning Docs: Deepen your understanding of the platform.
- Webinar: Fabric + Purview Webinar—The CDO Dilemma: Gain insights into how Microsoft Purview can address your data governance challenges.
- Microsoft Purview Data Governance Website: Stay up to date with the latest news and updates.

We’re excited to see how Microsoft Purview can transform your data governance practices and look forward to helping you unlock its full potential. Contact us today to learn more about how Datalink Networks can support your data governance needs and drive your organization’s success.