ODS

Operational Data Store

Near-real-time integrated store between source systems and warehouse.

When you'd see it: Data architecture between source systems and the warehouse. An ODS holds current, integrated operational data.

Why it matters: An ODS provides a near-real-time, integrated view of operational data for day-to-day queries, sitting between transactional systems and the analytical warehouse. It fills the gap when the warehouse is too slow-moving for operational needs.