«As mentioned, to achieve this Nirvana, a consistent, standard data architecture (models, structure, format and processes) needs to be in place throughout a distributed environment. And this is the tricky bit. Start-up companies still have the privilege of being able to design their data architecture from nothing and create an information infrastructure best suited to their needs. Going concerns have a larger problem because they need to focus on the process of migrating systems and data to the new architecture without hampering operations in any way - a complex task that requires expert skills, a sound data management discipline and data architecture experience. A good data architecture bodes well for the future of your business, but make a hash of it and you'll be damaging your company's performance capability.»