Managed data
Managed data lake: what it is and when you need one
What a managed data lake is, how it differs from a data warehouse and when it makes sense to centralise data into a reliable, governed layer.
Read articleKey takeaways
- Data as a Service (DaaS) delivers ready-to-use data as a service.
- It includes integration, processing, quality, security and delivery.
- It differs from building your own: you pay per use and the team is included.
- It lets companies focus on the business, not technical complexity.
- It is not for every case.
Data as a Service, or DaaS, is one of those terms used a lot and explained little. In essence it is simple: instead of building and operating your own data infrastructure, you receive data — and results — as a service.
A simple definition
DaaS is a model in which a provider connects, processes, protects and delivers your data in the format your business needs: dashboards, APIs, datasets or AI. You define the result; the provider supplies the platform, infrastructure and expert team.
What a complete DaaS service includes
- Integration of your sources (ERP, CRM, APIs, files, external).
- Processing and transformation.
- Quality and governance.
- Security, encryption and GDPR by design.
- Delivery of the result, working.
DaaS, SaaS, IaaS and PaaS
IaaS gives raw infrastructure; PaaS, a platform to build on; SaaS, a ready-to-use application. DaaS goes a step further in the data domain: it delivers the data — and the results — prepared for the business, taking on the complexity for you.
IaaS / PaaS
InfrastructurePlatform
SaaS
Ready app
DaaS
Data + resultsprepared
When it is NOT the best option
DaaS is not for every case. If data is your core product and your edge lies in operating it in-house, or you have a consolidated, under-utilised data team, building in-house may make sense. For everyone else, DaaS delivers more value, sooner and with less risk.
Enterprise Data as a Service, simplified: you decide the result, we make the data possible.
In summary
DaaS delivers ready-to-use data and results as a service — integration, processing, quality, security and delivery included — with pay-per-use and an expert team. It goes beyond SaaS/PaaS/IaaS by taking on the data complexity, letting you focus on the business. It is the right choice unless data is your core product.
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is DaaS the same as the cloud?
No. The cloud is infrastructure you still have to configure and operate. DaaS is a managed service that delivers the data result working, usually on cloud or proprietary infrastructure.
Do I lose control of my data with DaaS?
No. You keep ownership and governance; the provider takes on the operation under your policies and with processing in Europe.
Which companies does it make sense for?
Most that want data results without building and sustaining their own team and infrastructure, especially mid-sized and large companies.
How does DaaS differ from SaaS?
SaaS delivers a ready application; DaaS delivers prepared data and business results, taking on the integration, quality and governance underneath.
What does a complete DaaS include?
Integration of sources, processing, quality and governance, security/encryption/GDPR by design, and delivery of the working result.
When is DaaS not the best option?
When data is your core product and competitive edge, or you already have a consolidated, under-utilised data team.
Turn this data into results
Tell us what you want to achieve. Data Layer connects, processes and delivers the result up and running, with no infrastructure for you to manage.