A data sharing tool is a software which allows real-time data sharing across disparate systems. These platforms combine scalability with security and governance, and ease of use for business users who aren’t technically minded. Unlike traditional, single-box solutions they are designed to accommodate the dynamic nature of real-time information sharing. This includes multiple producers, consumers and clouds and companies and divisions. It also provides high data throughput rates and bidirectional data flows.
In a medical environment, this involves sharing patient records that are not identifiable to other clinicians and researchers. This allows collaboration on research projects that accelerate the development of new treatments for medical conditions and improve the quality of treatment. It also allows for rapid second opinions and helps patients select the most effective treatment options.
Data sharing can also make research more efficient. Researchers can share their resources and expertise and avoid duplicate work and allowing them to conduct more extensive trend analyses across a greater geographical or topic area. It can also decrease the need to invest money in new infrastructure by making it possible for researchers to use existing datasets.
In a final public sector example, Airbnb recently shared anonymized host information with New York City to help address concerns about illegal short-term rentals. This is a clear example of how sharing data can benefit both the public and private sector.