Planning For Success In Data Integration Deployments

You've done the research, identified the benefits to your organization in deploying a data integration strategy, and selected the vendors to evaluate. So why is management still balking at proceeding with your data integration project? Despite clear reasons and requirements for data integration, senior management in mid-sized organizations often struggle with understanding why they should make a significant up-front investment in technology that at surface value adds no new "features" to the company's repertoire of enabling technology. After all, demos of business intelligence software are far more interesting with nice charts and key performance indicators that will melt the wallet of even the tightest of CFOs. Understanding how to position the value of data integration as a key, enabling framework for the organization will go a long way to ensuring that your data integration project is given the green light.

In preparing for the discussion that will be critical to the go/no go decision for your data integration project, there are five critical steps you need to take to ensure that the senior management of your organization is on board with the decision well before the meeting that will provide the final answer.