#265 Are You (Even) Doing Data Mesh™? - Mesh Musings 55
Nov 3, 2023
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The podcast discusses the importance of moving towards Data Mesh and explores the difference between actively engaging in it and questioning it. They also delve into the semantics and progress of the DataMesh journey, emphasizing the importance of starting somewhere and applying the pillars. Overall, it highlights the significance of decentralized data and invites more people to join the Data Mesh community.
The label of 'Data Mesh' is not as important as actively working towards a decentralized and data ownership-based approach.
Being in the early stages of implementing Data Mesh is acceptable as long as organizations align with its principles and actively progress towards it.
Deep dives
The Importance of Heading in the Right Direction
The podcast episode emphasizes that the label of 'Data Mesh' is not as important as the commitment to heading in the right direction towards implementing decentralized and data ownership-based approaches. The speaker argues that it doesn't matter if organizations claim to be implementing Data Mesh or are early in the journey, as long as they are aligning with the principles of Data Mesh and actively working towards a well-functioning and decentralized data approach. The episode highlights examples of organizations that are not yet fully implementing Data Mesh but are steadily moving in that direction, emphasizing that the label itself is not significant as long as progress is being made.
Don't Get Caught up in Semantics
The podcast explores the notion that getting caught up in the semantics of whether an organization is 'doing Data Mesh' can be counterproductive. The speaker argues that as long as an organization is genuinely attempting to implement Data Mesh, it is acceptable to claim they are doing so, even if they are in the early stages of the journey. The episode suggests that what matters most is not fooling oneself or others and ensuring that the organization is actively aligning with the principles and aims of Data Mesh, rather than getting hung up on specific labels or technicalities.
Focus on Progress and Empathy
The podcast promotes an inclusive approach to Data Mesh, encouraging the welcoming of more organizations into the Data Mesh community. The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on progress and having empathy for organizations that may not yet have achieved the full implementation of Data Mesh. It is suggested that judging others based on specific criteria or waiting for complete mastery of Data Mesh concepts hinders progress and discourages organizations from embarking on the journey. The episode encourages organizations to assess their adherence to the pillars of Data Mesh and to move forward with confidence, while also acknowledging that the label itself may not be of utmost importance.
If you want to say you are doing data mesh, go ahead. If you really want to know if you are, look to Zhamak's book and her talks - how much are you attempting and are you going with the thin slice model - not ignoring any of the pillars. Have some empathy for yourself.
If others want to say they are doing data mesh, it's not really a big deal as long as we aren't trying to emulate the ones fooling themselves or over-marketing.
I'd rather welcome more folks into the tent than gatekeep. Maybe that is just my own prerogative but I have empathy for people who see what they think the end journey should look like. But it's like that transformation picture of build a skateboard, then bike, then moped, then motorcycle, then little 2 door car, etc. with the end idea of building a sedan.
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