Many organizations recognize the value and benefits Artificial Intelligence (AI) can bring if implemented correctly. This topic is outlined in the authors’ previous book, Artificial Intelligence: Evolution and Revolution. A long-standing challenge that many organizations continue to face is preparing for AI and making sure that their data and assets are accessible, manageable, and governed and are of the right quality so that they can be consumed by new and existing AI applications in order to infuse AI across the enterprise to help drive smarter business outcomes. Over the years, numerous paradigms and efforts have attempted to address the complexities of managing sprawling and disparate data silos, but all seemed to have fallen short of their promises and expectations. Organizations need the flexibility to put their data and assets where it makes most business sense, whether that’ s on premises or in the private or public cloud. This book attempts to explain the concepts and values that a data fabric approach can deliver to both technical and business communities.

MARK SIMMONDS is a Program Director in IBM Data and AI. He writes extensively on AI, data science, and data fabric, holding multiple author recognition awards. He previously worked as an IT architect, leading complex infrastructure design and architecture projects. He is a member of the British Computer Society, holds a bachelor’ s degree in Computer Science, and is a published author. STEVEN ASTORINO is the Vice President of Development, Data and AI and Canada Lab Director at IBM. He is a development executive with proven transformational leadership and expertise in delivering large enterprise development and innovation. He has been leading and driving the AI and data fabric strategy across IBM. Steve has a Bachelor’ s Degree in Computer Science and is a published author.