Introduction

Simplifying decision-making is a top priority for IT architects, and one approach they often embrace is “one-stop shopping.” This often involves shortlisting vendors based on their position in analyst rankings, such as the renowned Gartner Magic Quadrant. However, it is crucial to understand that the details within these reports may present a different perspective than the graphics convey.

Master Data Management Consideration

To illustrate this point, let’s take the example of master data management (MDM).

MDM is a discipline that encompasses multiple domains to support essential business capabilities, relying on quality data and robust, active data governance.

Gartner has historically assessed MDM solutions in two separate reports, one dedicated to Customer and one to Product MDM. These reports represented Gartner’s understanding of what customers in the market were looking for, in part based on what was available. A reliance on Gartner alone represents a bias towards what is popular, rather than what is best. In fact, Gartner typically makes this point themselves – simply because a product is in the Leaders quadrant does not mean that it is the best fit for a particular client or requirement – a disclaimer that Gartner themselves make but that is often ignored.

Arguably, this focus on Gartner may have inhibited the development of true, multidomain MDM applications as these more strategic platforms did not fit easily into the model of customer vs product.

The Risk of “One-Stop Shopping”

The fundamental premise of “one-stop shopping” is to provide an integrated infrastructure. However, these reports indicate that this integration is not always achieved.

Andrew White, a Gartner vice president and author of their Product MDM report, points out a specific example: “They bought three independently developed solutions, attempted to merge the first two and failed, then acquired a third product. Now, they’re spending several years gradually converging the three.”

Challenges for Acquisition-driven Vendors:

It’s essential to recognize that this challenge is not limited to a single vendor. Any vendor pursuing an acquisition-based strategy faces similar obstacles. In some cases, acquired solutions may even be discontinued in favour of a preferred platform. Consequently, the concept of a single-vendor solution, while attractive, may prove counterproductive.

Advantages of Multivendor Solutions

Many smaller vendors focus on delivering a robust, multi-domain MDM platform.

These vendors may address data quality and data governance needs through integration with specialized solutions. Interestingly, these multi-vendor solutions often exhibit better integration compared to the fragmented offerings resulting from acquisitions by larger, less focused solution providers. They also provide deeper and broader capability, a better understanding of real-world problems

Choosing the Right Solution

The best approach to selecting an MDM tool should be based on a realistic understanding of your MDM business goals and the tool’s ability to support them. It is crucial to move away from the mythical belief that a single vendor can provide a complete, integrated solution, particularly if this is not the vendor’s core focus. Instead, consider the specific needs of your organization and choose a tool that aligns with those requirements.

Conclusion

In summary, while “one-stop shopping” may seem enticing, the reality is that it often falls short of delivering true integration. When it comes to selecting a data management stack, it is important to assess the capabilities of each vendor beyond their position in analyst rankings. By focusing on your business goals and choosing tools that align with your specific needs, you can make a more informed decision and ensure success.