The modernization of data platforms is a vital undertaking for organizations aiming to survive in the digital age. With the sheer speed at which technology develops, businesses must continuously assess their data strategies, taking into consideration big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.
Asia Banu Shaik, a seasoned multi-decade principal data engineer and recipient of the prestigious 2024 Global Recognition Award for excellence in technology innovation, offers valuable insights into the underpinnings of data platform modernization.
Data Platform Modernization in Retrospect
Modernizing data platforms requires elevating old legacy systems into agile, scalable solutions– ones that can handle the increasing volume and complexity of data. This process is essential for organizations seeking to derive strategic insights from their data for the purposes of decision-making. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, companies that effectively use data analytics are 23 times more likely to acquire customers and nine times more likely to retain them.
Asia Banu Shaik has spent the better part of two decades engaging in this field, utilizing her experience in data architecture and engineering to enable modernization initiatives. In her previous positions throughout India and the United States, Shaik has been integral to the optimization of operational efficiencies.
"Modernizing data platforms is not just about technology; it's about aligning data strategies with business goals to deliver measurable outcomes," Shaik emphasizes.
Shaik's modernization strategy involves acquiring a comprehensive understanding of relevant technologies, such as cloud computing and AI/ML, prior to deploying them to improve scalability, efficiency, stability, and security for her organizations.
Asia Banu Shaik: A Fixture of Data Engineering
Asia Banu Shaik's career spans over two decades, during which she has consistently demonstrated skill sets in both the leadership and technical fields. As a senior member of the IEEE organization and an accomplished author, she has contributed to the fields of data architecture, modeling, analytics, and operations in academia and professional capacities. In one of her more recently published articles, Shaik identifies key challenges organizations face today in managing data platforms and explores how advanced ETL tools can address these challenges.
Her tenure at major Indian companies laid the foundation for her later career, where she held pivotal roles such as ETL tech lead, data analyst, data modeler, and data architect. Her leadership, instrumental in the development of numerous data models, allowed for the creation of custom solutions for global banking, financial, and insurance clients.
"Of course, I couldn't do it without the help of my colleagues and mentors. Everything I've achieved is thanks to them," Shaik reflects.
Beyond the technology firms of India, Shaik has also led various data solution projects focusing on enterprise data model implementations and data modernization initiatives. Her contributions have been recognized with multiple awards and accolades, including the Pioneer Squad Award for Data Analytics from LTIMindtree Limited.
The Future of Data Platforms
The future of data platforms continues to develop at a staggering pace, with further advancements in technology just on the horizon. Gartner predicts that by 2025, 70% of organizations will shift their focus from big data to small and wide data strategies, enabling more context for analytics and making AI less reliant on vast amounts of information.
Asia Banu Shaik herself believes that the future of data platforms may be in the integration of AI/ML technologies. "We may see even more agile platforms that can adapt to changing business needs. Machine learning networks can also help with data security and compliance. It's a win-win," she notes.
Modern data platforms require businesses to embrace new technologies, all the more ones that align with their strategic goals. With new developments and discoveries appearing in the field daily, it will be up to industry leaders like Asia Banu Shaik to steer the future of data engineering towards the right direction.
