The journey through the data infrastructure industry has been marked by an unyielding surge since the unveiling of our reference architectures in late 2020. A relentless growth has prevailed, as evidenced by the ascendancy of key industry metrics to unprecedented heights over the past year. Novel product categories have surfaced at a pace that even the most diligent data teams struggled to match, rekindling benchmark rivalries and even sparking billboard skirmishes.

Staying Ahead: An Updated Framework

In this post, we extend our commitment to empower data teams with the means to navigate this dynamic landscape. We present a refreshed series of data infrastructure architectures, designed to encompass the contemporary best-in-class stack for both analytical and operational systems. Our insights stem from extensive conversations with numerous operators over the past year, distilling the essence of their experiences into these architectural blueprints. Each version provides a succinct overview of the changes from its predecessor, offering a comprehensive understanding of the evolving terrain.

Unveiling the Evolution: Understanding Change

Our exploration delves beyond the surface alterations to discern the driving forces behind these shifts. We assert that the bedrock of core data processing systems has, for the most part, remained steadfast throughout the year. However, the supporting cast of tools and applications has embarked on an exponential expansion. In dissecting this evolution, we propose that platforms are emerging within the data ecosystem, a phenomenon illuminating the unique trajectories observed in the data stack's metamorphosis.

Acknowledging Our Collaborators: A Grateful Note

This endeavour would be mere conjecture without the invaluable insights of countless data experts who have contributed to our cause. Their names, a testament to their dedication, grace the culmination of this post. Their input breathes life into this work, and for that, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.

Updated Reference Architectures: Charting the Path Ahead

As we delve into the intricacies, we unveil the latest architectural diagrams that stand as beacons of the evolving landscape. Crafted in collaboration with esteemed data practitioners, these blueprints reflect both internal operational frameworks and recommendations for new implementations.