Microsoft Purview (previously known as Azure Purview) is a comprehensive and integrated set of solutions designed to help organizations govern, protect, and manage their data across various environments, including on-premises, multicloud, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) setups.
What Microsoft Purview Does
Microsoft Purview addresses the challenges of fragmented data, lack of visibility, and the complexities of traditional IT management roles by providing a unified platform for data governance, security, and compliance. It enables organizations to gain visibility into their data, safeguard and manage sensitive data throughout its lifecycle, and govern data in a seamless and comprehensive manner. This approach helps in managing critical data risks and adhering to regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO standards.Key Features and Functionality
Data Governance
Microsoft Purview includes robust data governance solutions that manage data services across diverse environments. Key features in this area include:- Microsoft Purview Data Map: This feature automates data discovery by scanning and classifying data assets across the entire data estate, providing a single source of truth and enabling users to trace and discover data.
- Microsoft Purview Unified Catalog: This tool curates data sources, manages data integrity, governs the data estate, secures sensitive data, and drives business value from existing data sources. It is set to replace the Microsoft Purview Data Catalog with the same features.
Data Security
Purview offers a robust suite of data security solutions, including:- Data Loss Prevention: Tools to discover and protect sensitive information.
- Information Barriers: Controls to restrict access to sensitive data.
- Information Protection: Features to secure data through encryption and access controls.
- Insider Risk Management: Solutions to detect and mitigate insider threats.
- Privileged Access Management: Tools to manage and secure privileged access to data.
Risk and Compliance
The platform incorporates several risk and compliance solutions to help organizations manage compliance risks and meet regulatory requirements. These include:- Microsoft Purview Audit: Tools for auditing data usage and compliance.
- Communication Compliance: Solutions to monitor and manage communications for compliance.
- Compliance Manager: Features to assess and manage compliance risks.
- Data Lifecycle Management: Tools to manage the lifecycle of data from creation to disposal.
- eDiscovery: Resources for electronic discovery and legal hold processes.
Data Insights and Analytics
Purview provides advanced analytical features that enable organizations to gain valuable insights into their data landscape. This includes:- Data Lineage: The ability to follow data sources, movement, and transformation across systems.
- Data Estate Insights: A comprehensive overview of the data estate, providing actionable insights into governance gaps and data usage patterns.