A data sharing platform is an application which allows real-time data exchange across different systems. These platforms typically combine scalability, security, and governance with ease of use for non-technical business users. These platforms are not designed to be static, as are traditional single-box solutions. They are designed to enable real-time data sharing. This includes multiple consumers, producers and clouds, as well as divisions and companies. It also provides high data throughput rates and bidirectional data flow.
In the medical field this involves sharing unidentified patient records with researchers and other clinicians. This allows for collaboration on research projects in order to improve care and speed up the development of medical treatments. This allows for faster second opinions and assists the patient decide on the best treatment options.
Sharing data can also aid in research efficiency. Researchers can share their resources and expertise which can reduce the need for duplication and allowing them to conduct more comprehensive trend analyses across more of a topic or geographical area. Researchers can also save money by using existing datasets.
Finally, in a public sector instance, Airbnb recently shared anonymized host data with New York City to help address concerns about illegal short-term rentals. This illustrates how sharing information can benefit both the public and private sector.