Most data leaders want to deliver data products, but few are doing it. 

Let's face it: most data teams today function as internal service bureaus that fulfill customer requests that arrive via ticketing systems, email, handwritten notes, or calls from colleagues looking for a favor. Most work double time to keep their request backlogs from ballooning from weeks to months. In this environment, few data leaders have time or capacity to switch from a project management approach to a product management one.

Even if data leaders had time, most wouldn't know how to make this transition. Most have no experience in product management, nor do they have a good idea of a data product. So asking data leaders to deliver data products is like asking them to build a rocket ship that can travel to the moon.

In this episode, Wayne Eckerson interviews Henrik Strandberg, a strong proponent of running data teams using product management principles. Henrik Strandberg is a seasoned data transformation leader who, for the past 25 years, has helped numerous organizations bridge gaps between business and technology. In stints at publishing and gaming companies, Henrik has developed a unique understanding of building and delivering data products at scale that delight customers.

Achieving Success with Data Products: An Interview with Henrik Strandberg

This article compares data catalogs and data marketplaces and argues that you need both and will soon have both as vendors add data marketplace extensions.
Published at:
https://www.eckerson.com/articles/why-do-i-need-a-data-marketplace-when-i-have-a-data-catalog

Why Do I Need a Data Marketplace When I Have a Data Catalog? - Audio Blog

If your data team wants to implement data products, it would be wise to avoid these 12 pitfalls that can torpedo an initiative.
Published at:
https://www.eckerson.com/articles/12-pitfalls-to-avoid-when-implementing-data-products

12 Pitfalls to Avoid When Implementing Data Products - Audio Blog

Many practitioners view data mesh and data fabric as mutually exclusive approaches to data strategy. However, these paradigms complement each other. Data mesh focuses on decentralization and autonomy; Data fabric ensures centralized integration and governance. Let’s dive into how blending elements of both can offer flexibility and control to create the right fit for your organization’s data strategy.
Published at: https://www.eckerson.com/articles/blending-data-mesh-and-data-fabric-crafting-a-balanced-data-strategy-2118cd34-e463-4468-b150-bdaf9e1c541d

Blending Data Mesh and Data Fabric: Crafting a Balanced Data Strategy - Audio Blog

A strategic approach to data monetization covering key processes, risks, and organizational shifts needed for success.
Published at: https://www.eckerson.com/articles/unlocking-data-monetization-success

Unlocking Data Monetization Success - Audio Blog

This guide provides a step-by-step framework to assess vendors, align priorities, and make informed decisions about enterprise data and analytics tools.
Published at:
https://www.eckerson.com/articles/the-buyer-s-guide-to-selecting-the-right-enterprise-data-analytics-tool

The Buyer’s Guide to Selecting the Right Enterprise Data & Analytics Tool - Audio Blog

Anthony Cosgrove, Co-founder at Harbr, tells us how successful data products focus on clear value propositions, tailored placement, intuitive packaging, and appropriate permissions.
Published at:
https://www.eckerson.com/articles/what-is-a-data-product

What is a Data Product? - Audio Blog

Barb Wixom reads MIT CISR's April 2025 research briefing, which she co-authored with Nick van der Meulen and Cynthia Beath. See the text version and related content at https://cisr.mit.edu/publication/2025_0401_DataProductMindset_WixomVanderMeulenBeath.

Abstract: Today, by adopting a product mindset for data, organizations hold people accountable for the payoff of data investments over time. Data assets and data solutions represent two distinct types of “data products.” Organizations can use three sets of product management practices to more effectively generate returns from their data assets and data solutions: practices for satisfying data consumers, practices for setting prices, and practices for sustaining profits. This briefing illustrates these practices using examples from information businesses.

Shifting to a Product Mindset for Data

All data management activities—whether internally or externally focused—should either reduce costs or grow earnings.
Published at:
https://www.eckerson.com/articles/book-review-how-to-make-money-with-data

Book Review: How to Make Money with Data - Audio Blog

Chief Data Officers are expanding data sharing to drive productivity, innovation, and better decisions. Data marketplaces simplify access by connecting users to ready-to-use, high-value data through a centralized, self-service platform.
Published at:
https://www.eckerson.com/articles/how-data-product-marketplaces-enable-seamless-data-consumption-and-generate-value

How Data Product Marketplaces Enable Seamless Data Consumption and Generate Value - Audio Blog

Listen to data and analytics leaders share the secrets of their success. Wayne Eckerson, long-time global thought leader interviews guests who run data and analytics programs at Fortune 2000 organizations around the world. Tune in to stay abreast of the latest technologies, techniques, and trends in our fast-paced industry.

A research center at the MIT Sloan School of Management, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading dynamic, global, and information-intensive organizations.

New tracks tagged #DataProducts