Data integration can be defined as the process to combine data from disparate sources into meaningful and valuable information.
Data has become, the single most valuable asset for most of the organizations. For a firm to remain competitive and meet growing customer demands, it must have access to a tremendous amount of data, as well as the means of leveraging that information to great effect.
One of the most significant issues that companies must therefore address is data integration. Without effective data integration tools and strategies, firms simply cannot utilize their information stores effectively, which greatly undermines the organization's overall ability to achieve its goals.