Snowflake POC: Scalable, client-focused data access through modernised infrastructure and new revenue opportunities
Project Overview
This project involved a proof of concept (POC) to assess Snowflake as a modern replacement for an outdated in-house data warehouse. The aim was to improve data accessibility, scalability, and operational efficiency for clients by introducing a flexible cloud-native solution. Snowflake’s platform was evaluated for its ability to support real-time reporting, data sharing, and rapid product development—positioning it as a long-term enabler of data-driven growth.
Problem Statement
The in-house data warehousing solution was not scalable enough to meet clients growing needs, limiting their ability to access and leverage data effectively. A modern, flexible solution was required to support various data needs and streamline data sharing processes.
Key Findings
- Scalability and Flexibility: The existing data warehouse architecture lacked the ability to scale dynamically, limiting performance under growing data loads and reducing responsiveness for end users.
- Modernization Need: Clients required a modern solution that could support varied data access needs, faster processing, and flexible reporting—something the legacy setup couldn’t offer.
- Platform Evaluation: The evaluation of Snowflake was essential to determine whether it could serve as a more adaptable and collaborative platform compared to the traditional on-premise solution.
Implemented Solution
To address the limitations of the existing system, the following steps were implemented:
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Research and Development:
Conducted in-depth research and testing to assess Snowflake’s performance across scalability, flexibility, and access control parameters. Snowflake was selected based on its robust cloud-native architecture and cost-effective scalability.
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Data Integration:
Developed a custom data pipeline to migrate and sync structured data from the Greenplum environment to Snowflake, ensuring minimal disruption and high data integrity.
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Data Warehouse Creation:
Created two purpose-built Snowflake data warehouses tailored for different client needs—one focused on standard reporting and the other optimised for advanced analytics.
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Enhanced Data Sharing:
Leveraged Snowflake’s native data-sharing capabilities to enable secure, real-time access to shared datasets. This replaced the rigid in-house reporting model with a more collaborative and agile platform for clients.
Results
The Snowflake POC delivered immediate improvements in performance and accessibility. Clients experienced significantly faster access to data, increased operational flexibility, and enhanced user satisfaction. The success of the pilot not only validated Snowflake as the preferred platform but also catalysed the creation of new data products and services—contributing to a 25% revenue increase. Additionally, the scalable foundation opened the door for future offerings valued at approximately $50,000 per customer, marking a pivotal step in the client’s data modernisation journey.