Data integration software is now much more than just extract, transform and load tools — it encompasses a wide range of platforms and technologies supporting real-time integration as well as traditional batch-oriented approaches. It’s also a “growth market,” according to Gartner. The consulting company predicts that the data integration software market will reach $3.6 billion by 2018 — up from $2.2 billion in 2013.

This three-part guide explores the trends and emerging best practices shaping the data integration process — and why many potential users have yet to buy into the hype. First, Rick Sherman, the founder of Athena IT Solutions, says new data demands are finally proving to businesses that integration is a businesswide effort. Sherman also looks at some of the new tools taking data integration beyond basic extract, transform and load processes. Next, we discuss the myriad approaches organizations can take with data integration projects. We finish with an argument for wider integration considerations with software-as-a-service applications — and what that means for the bottom line.

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