Information Fabric 2.0: Enterprise Information Virtualization Gets Real

Forrester's information fabric vision of enterprise information virtualization has evolved as enterprises have implemented more parts of the vision and as vendors have extended information-as-a service (IaaS) products to deliver broader capabilities. Although a complete information fabric implementation is still rare, many large enterprises already have some elements and a number of information services deployed or are planning deployment over the next two to three years. Although no vendor offers a complete information fabric solution, Forrester expects that by 2008, a few vendors will have sufficient breadth and depth to support a comprehensive fabric solution. Information fabric 2.0 has been updated to reflect support for more business requirements, with an added focus on information quality, security, integration, and performance. Enterprise architects should evaluate Forrester's definition of information fabric 2.0 and use it to guide their IaaS strategy.