Ten years ago, we began researching data gravity. The story then was not wrong, but incomplete. In this session, we use planetary dynamics as a metaphor to explain data gravity, defined by both volume and density (business value). Attendees will learn new ways to think about data and assess the impact of mergers, partnerships and acquisitions.

D&A leaders have a key strategic decision to make over the next few years. What does their strategic and long-term data management platform looks like and where to source it from? There are four options that this session will discuss: utilizing the all encompassing data and AI platform from their cloud service providers, extending their ISV solution providers to enable their data platform, engaging their enterprise SaaS application providers to support D&A use cases, or taking a blended approach.

To achieve agentic optimization, D&A leaders must invest in active metadata and data ecosystems, develop FinOps maturity, and train AI models. This foundation enables efficient, automated decision-making for deploying and optimizing D&A resources. This session explores how these areas intersect, offering a holistic view of agentic capabilities, impacts and risks. Go beyond targeted agents and think big!

AI is accelerating new possibilities for data and analytics everywhere. Success isn’t always about being the fastest, but about finding your own path to value, while managing risk and cost. Join our Gartner’s Opening Keynote to discover how a thoughtful approach to speed and direction helps you prepare for what’s next, no matter where you are today.

For over a decade, we have sought a holistic, unifying theory of data management. This presentation documents the quest, and touches on the data and analytics infrastructure model (DAIM), metadata, data fabric, data ecosystems, and FinOps. Each of these is required and together they address everything from infrastructure to AI to strategy communications.

Data ecosystems, built on data fabric design and infused with AI, promise an integrated, cost effective, and operationally simple approach to varied data management challenges. However, they don't yet always deliver on that promise. This research explores the maturity of various ecosystem components and provides a guide for D&A leaders and others looking to invest in data foundations for competitive differentiation.

Data and analytics leaders must operate within the realities of the geopolitical impacts that we now face. These include an increased focus on contingency planning for diverse vendor selection, avoid reliance on products or technologies that may be subject to trade policies or other restrictions and confronting increased costs.