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In the rapidly advancing world of data operations, the ability to manage complex, outcome-driven data solutions is key. Interloop’s Orbit Architecture offers a flexible, resilient framework that helps DataOps engineers structure data to meet specific business needs without causing unwanted disruptions.
Designed to work within the gold layer of the medallion architecture, Orbit Architecture enables each solution to stay on track, reducing risk and enhancing security.
What is Orbit Architecture?
Orbit Architecture is Interloop’s unique data design pattern, crafted to organize data within the "gold" layer of the medallion architecture. This layer serves as the trusted source of curated data that drives outcome-focused solutions.
Much like the “separation of concerns” concept in computer science, Orbit Architecture establishes independent data structures and models within the gold layer, tailored to each specific business outcome. Each "orbit" within the gold layer becomes a specialized mission module, delivering consumption-ready, outcome-specific data to keep systems aligned and resilient.
How It Works: A Use Case
Imagine a scenario where your team manages two key solutions: a customer health dashboard and an operational Copilot. Both rely on data tables from the gold lakehouse. Now, your engineering team receives a request to adjust an ERP data table to better support the Copilot, and once the update is completed, the Copilot runs seamlessly. However, this update causes unintended issues on the customer health dashboard, which also uses the ERP table to link customer order data to sales opportunities.
With Orbit Architecture, these disruptions are prevented. Each solution is contained within its own orbit, all connected to the gold data but insulated from one another. This structure allows each outcome to use the data model that best suits its needs—such as a dimensional model for Power BI or a graph model for an AI tool—without interfering with other data solutions.
Key Benefits of Orbit Architecture
🚀 FlexibilityEach orbit can be tailored to specific business requirements, giving DataOps engineers the freedom to use the data model (graph, dimensional, relational) that best supports each outcome, rather than forcing every solution into one mold.
🚀 Mitigated Downstream EffectsIsolated data structures mean updates in one orbit don’t impact others, reducing the risk of unintended disruptions and data inconsistencies.
🚀 Supports OneLake IdeologyAligned with the OneLake approach, Orbit Architecture maximizes the value of a single golden version of data, allowing for analysis without duplication or data movement.
🚀 Metadata ManagementOrbit Architecture supports comprehensive metadata for data lineage, quality, and governance, helping to keep all systems organized and compliant.
🚀 Security and Access ControlRobust security and access controls are available at each orbit level, allowing sensitive data to be protected without sacrificing accessibility for authorized users.
The Wrap Up: Why Orbit Architecture Matters
Orbit Architecture equips DataOps engineers with a powerful, structured framework for building flexible, outcome-specific solutions that are efficient and secure. By providing isolated data structures within the gold layer, Orbit Architecture allows engineers to mitigate downstream effects, ensure seamless collaboration, and make informed, data-driven decisions without duplication or interference.
Get Looped In
Looking to achieve more with your data? Get looped in with one of our data experts today to explore how Orbit Architecture can streamline your data systems and elevate your outcomes.