A data sharing tool is a software which allows real-time data sharing across different systems. These platforms offer scalability, security and governance, and ease of use for business users who are not technically minded. Unlike traditional, single-box solutions they are designed to meet the constant nature of real-time data sharing. This includes multiple consumers, producers and clouds, as well as divisions and companies. It also allows for high data throughput and bidirectional data flow.
In a medical setting this means sharing deidentified patient records to other clinicians and researchers. This enables collaboration on research projects to accelerate the development of new treatments for patients and improve their healthcare. It also allows for faster second opinions and assists patients choose the most appropriate treatment options.
Sharing data can also help researchers to be more efficient. Researchers can share their resources and transparent business conduct expertise which can reduce the need for duplication and enabling them to perform larger trend analyses over the entire geographical or topic area. It can also reduce the need for monetary investment in infrastructure development by allowing researchers to leverage existing datasets.
Airbnb shared host data that was anonymous with New York City as an example of an open-ended public sector solution to the problem of illegal short-term rentals. This is a good example of how sharing data can benefit both the public and private sector.