Design Data Lifecycle Management

Key Concepts

• Data Ingestion
• Data Processing
• Data Storage
• Data Retention and Archiving
• Data Deletion

Data Ingestion

Data ingestion is the process of collecting data from various sources and bringing it into a central repository. This can involve real-time streaming data, batch processing, or a combination of both. Azure offers services like Azure Data Factory for orchestrating data movement and transformation, and Azure Event Hubs for real-time data streaming.

Think of data ingestion as the first step in a manufacturing process where raw materials are gathered and prepared for production.

Data Processing

Data processing involves transforming and analyzing the ingested data to extract meaningful insights. This can include cleaning, aggregating, and enriching the data. Azure provides tools like Azure Databricks for big data processing and Azure Stream Analytics for real-time data analysis.

Consider data processing as the manufacturing stage where raw materials are turned into finished products through various processes and quality checks.

Data Storage

Data storage is where processed data is kept for future use. Azure offers various storage solutions like Azure Blob Storage for unstructured data, Azure SQL Database for structured data, and Azure Data Lake Storage for big data analytics. The choice of storage depends on the type and volume of data, as well as access patterns.

Think of data storage as the warehouse where finished products are stored and organized for easy retrieval and distribution.

Data Retention and Archiving

Data retention and archiving involve managing how long data is kept and when it is moved to long-term storage. This is crucial for compliance with regulations and optimizing storage costs. Azure provides features like Azure Archive Storage for cost-effective long-term storage and Azure Purview for data governance and compliance.

Consider data retention and archiving as the inventory management system that ensures old products are moved to long-term storage while keeping frequently used items readily available.

Data Deletion

Data deletion is the process of permanently removing data that is no longer needed. This is important for maintaining data privacy and reducing storage costs. Azure offers tools like Azure Data Lake Analytics for programmatically deleting data and Azure Policy for enforcing data deletion policies.

Think of data deletion as the final step in the lifecycle where outdated or unwanted products are removed from inventory to make space for new items.