Microsoft Fabric is Not Just a Technological Solution,
but a Strategic One
Source: CAPITAL (www.capital.bg)
Many organizations struggle with data overload but lack actionable insights and conclusions, as well as an easy way to leverage AI and Machine Learning. How does Microsoft Fabric address this issue?
Margarita Naumova: Microsoft Fabric is designed to transform an organization’s data into an asset that can be utilized by both IT professionals and business users. Microsoft has always aimed to make technology as easy to adopt and use as possible. This principle is also applied in Fabric.
Here, users can find everything they need to build an analytical platform, explore data, conduct statistical analyses, and create reports, all while having an AI assistant in the form of Copilot at every step.
Does this mean that Fabric is not just an expensive version of technologies like Apache Hadoop and Parquet, but rather an all-in-one integrated platform?
Margarita Naumova: Fabric is a suite of solutions. These solutions or tools cover the entire process needed to turn data into a valuable asset. They require relatively little effort, a short setup time, and a fast process of acquiring the necessary knowledge.
Fabric makes it possible to organize data extraction from all kinds of sources, both from information systems and from thousands of scattered files within an organization.
A huge advantage of Fabric over all other similar platforms on the market is that once extracted, the data is stored in a single location—OneLake. This is one of Fabric’s most powerful innovations which greatly simplifies the management of extracted data in terms of access control, classification, organization into domains and workspaces, and the management of computational resources used.
Can you give a real-world example of how Fabric benefits organizations?
Margarita Naumova: Let’s assume you are an accountant. You primarily work with tabular data and are interested in whether numbers match, what the period-end sums are, and you want the results in a table. The challenges often involve handling multiple Excel files. Fabric allows you to easily upload your files to Lakehouse and start using them as a real database while Copilot enables you to interact with this data in natural language. The result is impressive, and the amount of time saved is substantial.
If you are a marketing specialist, you need trends and statistics. Then, you need Power BI. Even with minimal knowledge, you can give Copilot a task to suggest an analysis, and you will receive a dashboard. Based on that, you can refine your requirements in natural human language and get the analyses you need without the intervention of experts.
Similarly, the Fabric platform would be used by sales representatives, business development specialists, business managers, and other business users, who in most cases have to “order” these analyses from specially trained specialists.
As for experts in the field of data, the possibilities for them and working with data in Fabric are limitless , covering all aspects, from the design of the entire analytics system, through data solution engineering, to data science, machine learning, and the creation of AI solutions.
There must be some challenges when it comes to implementing something as complex as Microsoft Fabric. What are the obstacles that organizations might face?
Margarita Naumova: Technologies are a combination of strategic ideas and tactical use of scientific innovations. It’s a constantly shifting landscape, so achieving perfection is difficult.
Fabric is a brilliant concept that combines innovations in data platform technologies. The challenges in its implementation are not so much about the technological components as they are about optimizing their use to achieve business goals. A change in the mindset of business users is required as they need to shift from being passive consumers to active users of this platform, so that they can unlock the full potential of their data.
Is it about finding a balance between using Fabric’s built-in capabilities and customizing it to fit unique business needs?
Margarita Naumova: As a platform rather than an off-the-shelf product, Fabric is designed for tailor-made solutions that require customization for each organization and client. This is where our key role as technical experts and data engineers comes in. We discuss the specific business needs, develop a customized implementation strategy, and ensure a smooth transition to the Fabric platform.
Does this mean that Fabric is not just a technological solution, but a strategic one that affects the entire organization?
Margarita Naumova: Fabric shortens the time it takes to turn data into an asset for any organization. This, in turn, provides opportunities for a competitive advantage. Any asset that provides a competitive advantage is strategic.
In this sense—yes, Fabric falls within the domain of strategic decisions for an organization.
