# Data strategy framework
<a name="framework"></a>

The data strategy framework presented in this guide is based on the following tenets of modern data and analytics architecture:

1. Use an **integrated, cost-effective, and scalable storage layer**, so every data producer and consumer has the technical capabilities to interact with data.

1. **Security is mandatory**. Apply data privacy rules, provide data protection with encryption, enable auditing, and provide automated compliance.

1. **Govern the data to share** it across the company. Provide a unique data catalog and a business glossary so users can find and use the data they need.

1. Select the **right service for the right job.** Consider functionality, scalability, data latency, the effort required to run the service, resilience, integration, and automation when you choose a component.

1. Use **artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)**.

1. Provide **data literacy** and tools with **abstractions for business people**.

1. **Test the hypotheses** of your data initiatives and **measure their results**.

The data framework uses the approach of [working back from the customer](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/whitepapers/latest/building-cloud-operating-model/step-1.-work-backwards-from-the-customer.html). This method, which is used at Amazon and AWS, follows five steps:

1. Interview users in your company's business areas. Select business problems and opportunities that could be addressed by data initiatives.

1. Define expected business outcomes within the business areas.

1. Prioritize initiatives that have the highest business impact.

1. Identify data sharing and technical capabilities to achieve business outcomes, and group them in enablement projects.

1. Identify roles and responsibilities to enable data-driven initiatives, and discuss multidisciplinary team building.

The following sections discuss the main stages of this process:
+ [Business discovery](business-discovery.md)
+ [Assessing data availability](data-availability.md)
+ [Technical assessment](technical-assessment.md)
+ [Aligning stories with business goals](align-stories-goals.md)