A data sharing tool is an application which allows real-time data sharing across various systems. These platforms combine scalability with security and governance, and ease of use for business users who aren't tech-savvy. As opposed to traditional single-box options, they are designed to meet the dynamic nature of real-time information sharing. This includes multiple producers, consumers and clouds, as well as divisions and companies. It also supports high data throughput and bidirectional data flow.
In a medical setting this means sharing deidentified patient records to other doctors and researchers. This allows for collaboration on research projects to improve the quality of care and speed up the development of medical treatments. It also provides faster second opinions and assists patients select the most effective treatment options.
Data sharing can also help research to be more efficient. Researchers can pool their knowledge and resources and avoid duplicate work and allowing them to perform more comprehensive trend analyses across more of a topic or geographical area. It can also reduce the need for monetary investment in new infrastructure, allowing researchers to leverage existing data sources.
Airbnb shared host data in anonymity with New York City as an example of an approach by the public sector to the problem of illegal short-term rentals. This shows how data sharing can benefit both the public and private sector.