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Organisations are collecting and storing information at an unprecedented rate. This vast amount of data presents both opportunities and challenges. While valuable for insights and decision-making, it also requires robust security and management practices to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Enter Microsoft Purview, a suite of solutions designed to empower organisations to govern, protect, and manage their entire data estate. 

What is Microsoft Purview? 

Purview is not a single product, but rather a comprehensive suite that integrates various existing and evolving Microsoft data governance tools. It offers a centralised platform for organisations to discover, understand, classify, and manage their data across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. 

Key Components of Purview 

Purview unifies Azure Purview and Microsoft 365 compliance solutions and services into a single platform, empowering your organisation to: 

• Gain visibility into data across your organisation 

• Safeguard and manage sensitive data throughout its lifecycle, regardless of location 

• Govern data effectively through new, comprehensive methods 

• Manage critical data risks and regulatory requirements 

Here are the key components of Purview: 

• Azure Purview: This core component serves as the foundation for data cataloguing and lineage. It automatically scans for data sources, creates detailed catalogues, and maps data flows across your environment. This comprehensive view allows better understanding of data origin, usage, and movement. 

• Microsoft Information Protection (MIP): MIP focuses on data classification and labelling. It facilitates the identification of sensitive information and the application of protection measures to ensure data privacy and compliance. 

• Entra ID: Entra ID acts as the central identity and access management solution within Purview. It allows organisations to control access to data based on user roles and permissions, ensuring only authorised individuals can view or manipulate sensitive data. 

• Microsoft Defender for Cloud: This security solution integrates seamlessly with Purview, providing threat detection and vulnerability scanning capabilities. It helps identify and mitigate potential data breaches and cyberattacks. 

• Synapse Analytics and Azure Databricks: These analytics platforms empower organisations to gain valuable insights from their data while maintaining strong governance. Purview integrates with them to ensure data used for analysis adheres to security and access control policies. 

Benefits of Utilising Purview: 

• Enhanced Data Governance: Purview fosters a holistic approach to data management. It provides a central platform for discovery, classification, lineage, and access control, streamlining data governance processes and ensuring compliance with many global and Australian regulations. 

• Improved Data Security: By offering data classification and labelling through MIP, Purview empowers organisations to identify and protect sensitive information. Entra ID’s role-based access control further restricts unauthorised access, minimising security risks and potential data breaches. 

• Simplified Data Management: Purview automates various data governance tasks, such as data discovery and lineage mapping, reducing manual effort and improving operational efficiency. This frees up IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives. 

• Increased Data Visibility: Purview offers a centralised view of your data landscape across all environments. This comprehensive visibility allows for better decision-making around data usage and facilitates the identification and removal of redundant or unused data. 

• Optimised Data Analytics: Purview ensures the data used for analysis is secure and adheres to governance policies. Seamless integration with analytics platforms like Synapse Analytics allows organisations to leverage data insights with confidence. 

Who Can Benefit Most from Purview? 

Purview is a valuable tool for organisations of all sizes and across various industries. It caters particularly to those dealing with large and complex data sets, where robust governance and security practices are essential. Organisations operating in highly regulated environments will find Purview particularly helpful for ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations. 

Considerations When Implementing Purview: 

• Existing Data Landscape: The effectiveness of Purview depends on the existing data governance practices and infrastructure within an organisation. Integrating Purview with existing tools and workflows is crucial. 

• User Adoption and Training: Successful implementation requires buy-in from all stakeholders. Training users on data classification, access controls, and other Purview features is vital for optimal utilisation. 

• Scalability and Cost: As data volumes grow, organisations need to consider the scalability of Purview. Various pricing models are available to fit different needs and data sizes. 

Microsoft Purview – In Conclusion 

Microsoft Purview offers a comprehensive suite of tools to empower organisations to govern, protect, and manage their data effectively. By providing a centralised platform for data discovery, classification, lineage, and access control, Purview fosters strong data governance and helps mitigate security risks. Its ability to integrate with existing Microsoft products simplifies data management and enhances the value derived from data analysis. While some considerations exist regarding existing infrastructure and user adoption, Purview holds immense potential for organisations seeking to master their data landscape. 

Don’t let data vulnerabilities compromise your organisation. Take control of your data security today. Contact Aryon to discover how Microsoft Purview can transform your data management strategy.