• PowerCenter 8.5, a data integration platform with flexible functions for any type of data integration initiative, within and between enterprises
• PowerExchange 8.5 data access software for streamlining access to all forms of enterprise data including difficult-to-access mainframe data
• Informatica Data Quality 8.5 helps information owners to define, monitor and enhance the quality and usefulness of their data as an integral part of the data integration process.

Informatica Release 8.5 address enterprises growing need for multi-functional data integration platforms, which Gartner analysts discussed in SearchDataManagement.com's coverage of the 2006 Magic Quadrant study. Rather than hand-coding approaches or the small, stand-alone tools that had traditionally dominated data integration processes, more organizations are seeking platform-based approaches, according to analysts and experts. A single platform architecture such as Release 8.5 promises to help enterprises better deliver data required by the business, by enabling data access on a timely basis, regardless of source or format.

Following another recent trend, which Gartner discussed in its 2007 Magic Quadrant for data integration., the 8.5 release also incorporates new real-time capabilities, such as changed data capture. Real-time integration functions help organizations gain access to their most timely and trusted data, enabling more agile, competitive operations.

The new breed of platforms also increasingly incorporate data quality capabilities. Informatica release 8.5, introduced in August of 2007, includes many data quality functions, as well as a new web-based Data Quality Dashboard and Reporting option, enabling enterprises to share data quality reports and metrics. The new Data Quality Assistant helps business users review and edit low-quality records and enables a complete audit trail of all changes. The release also introduces updated metadata management capabilities, including personalized data lineage to help deliver enterprise-wide visibility into complex data relationships, which enables more productive development. Pricing starts at $140,000.

Learn more about Release 8.5 on Informatica's Web site.

Editors, SearchDataManagement.com