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Enterprises are increasingly investing in advanced data management software to support effective AI implementations, according to new research from Information Services Group (ISG). The study highlights the critical role of trusted, well-governed data in enabling organizations to deploy AI at scale and achieve strategic business outcomes.
Enterprises prioritize data management for successful AI deployments.
ISG research evaluates 42 data management software providers.
Data integration and governance are key to scalable AI initiatives.
Master data management ensures trusted data for AI and BI applications.
Data fabric technologies gain traction for multi-platform data management.
Informatica, Oracle, and IBM lead in ISG’s 2025 Buyers Guides.
The ISG Buyers Guides for Data Management emphasize that enterprises are addressing long-overdue data management needs to prepare for AI’s demands. “Enterprises recognize that successfully deploying AI at scale requires instant access to trusted and curated data of all kinds,” said Matt Aslett, director of research, Analytics and Data, ISG Software Research. The research evaluates 42 providers across six categories: Data Integration, Data Governance, Data Quality, Master Data Management, and Data Intelligence, highlighting their role in enabling AI-driven outcomes.
Data integration is critical for combining data from multiple platforms to support AI use cases, such as targeting high-value customers. ISG predicts that by 2027, three-quarters of enterprises will adopt data fabric technologies to manage complex data pipelines across cloud environments. These tools ensure seamless data flow, enhancing AI scalability and business impact.
Data governance ensures data is cataloged, trusted, and protected, forming a symbiotic relationship with AI. Effective governance improves AI outcomes by preventing misuse of sensitive data, while AI automates governance processes. ISG’s research underscores the importance of governance in supporting GenAI applications and maintaining compliance.
Creating a “single version of the truth” remains a challenge for data-driven enterprises. Master data management (MDM) solutions validate and merge data to ensure accuracy, with ISG forecasting that by 2027, most enterprises will use MDM and data quality tools to boost trust in AI and business intelligence applications. These tools are vital for consistent, reliable data.
Data intelligence software aids administrators in managing data for AI and BI by combining data discovery, metadata management, and governance. This ensures business users can access relevant data efficiently, supporting strategic decision-making and AI-driven insights.
ISG’s 2025 Buyers Guides name Informatica, Oracle, and IBM as Overall Leaders across multiple categories. Informatica excels in Data Governance, Data Quality, and Data Intelligence, while Oracle leads in Data Integration and Master Data Management. “The need for more unified and secured data management presents enterprises with a complex set of requirements,” said Mark Smith, partner and chief software analyst, ISG Software Research. These providers help organizations orchestrate data architectures for AI success.
The research underscores the growing importance of data management in enabling enterprises to achieve scalable, trustworthy AI deployments. By investing in these technologies, companies can overcome data challenges and drive operational excellence.
ISG Software Research provides authoritative coverage and analysis of the business and IT software industry. It distributes research and insights daily through its user community, and provides a portfolio of consulting, advisory, research and education services for enterprises, software and service providers, and investment firms. Its ISG Buyers Guides™ help enterprises evaluate and select software providers through tailored assessments powered by ISG’s proprietary methodology.
ISG is a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm. A trusted partner to more than 900 clients, including 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises, ISG is a long-time leader in technology and business services that is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to help organizations achieve operational excellence and faster growth. The firm, founded in 2006, is known for its proprietary market data, in-depth knowledge of provider ecosystems, and the expertise of its 1,600 professionals worldwide working together to help clients maximize the value of their technology investments.
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