3 steps to getting started with data contracts

Getting started with data contracts doesn’t have to be complex. Here’s 3 steps:

1. Run some proof of concepts

This doesn’t have to be on the most on the most critical dataset you have.

Find a data producing team who are ready and willing to work with you. This could be a team who has data people forward deployed already, are both consumers and producers of data, where you have existing relationships, etc.

2. Build minimal tooling

The minimal tooling doesn’t have to be complex. You just need a way to define a data contract, create an interface from it, and apply some change management.

3. Talk to everyone

This is probably the hardest part! You need to get really good at communicating what you need, why you need it, and why it’s of value for the organisation.

Then use the right language for your audience, which could include data producers, software engineers, product managers, CTOs, CDOs, and so on.

Repeat these steps and you’ll soon prove the value of data contracts, giving you the backing you need to continue the adoption.