Data synchronization is the process of ensuring that data is consistent between two or more devices or data stores, and that changes made to one are automatically updated in the others to maintain consistency within systems. It is an ongoing process that can occur in real-time, near real-time, or in batches. Data synchronization is fundamental to a wide variety of applications, including file synchronization, mobile device synchronization, and encryption for synchronizing public key servers.
There are two types of data synchronization: one-way data sync and two-way data sync. One-way data sync is when changes in the source system lead to changes in downstream systems, but not the other way around. Two-way data sync is when changes in either system lead to changes in the other.
Data synchronization is important because it ensures accurate, secure, and compliant data, and successful team and customer experiences. It assures congruence between each source of data and its different endpoints. As data comes in, it is cleaned, checked for errors, duplication, and consistency before being put to use. Data synchronization prevents data conflicts, which can result in errors and low-quality, low-trust data. Synchronized, trustworthy data is essential for security, compliance, and a wide variety of operational functions. Organizations that can trust the quality of their data will enjoy higher performance, reputation, and cost-efficiency.
Data synchronization can be done in several ways, including file synchronization, database synchronization, and mathematical synchronization. It is an ongoing process for new and historic data, and it requires clean, consistent data for product and service competence, but also for data governance issues like security and regulatory compliance.
