Building Medallion Architectures

To deliver the insights that give them a competitive advantage, organizations increasingly turn to the proven Medallion architecture. Yet implementing a robust data architecture can be difficult, particularly when it comes to using the Medallion architecture’s Bronze, Silver, and Gold layers—done wrong, it can hamper your ability to make data-driven decisions. This practical guide helps you build a Medallion architecture the right way with Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric.

Drawing on hands-on experience from the field, Piethein Strengholt demystifies common assumptions and complex problems you’ll face when embarking on a new data architecture. Architects and engineers of all stripes will find answers to the most typical questions along with insights from real organizations about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why.

You’ll learn:

• Learn how to build a Medallion architecture with Azure Databricks and Microsoft Fabric
• Gain insights from three real case studies that illustrate practical field experience and lessons learned
• Explore scaling considerations, including governance, security, generative AI, and more
• Make informed decisions when designing or implementing new data architectures
• Get proven patterns for success that align with broader organizational objectives

Table of Contents

Part I. Understanding the Medallion Framework

Chapter 1. The Evolution of Data Architecture

Chapter 2. Laying the Groundwork

Chapter 3. Demystifying the Medallion Architecture

Part II. Crafting the Medallion Layers

Chapter 4. Building a Medallion Foundation with Microsoft Fabric

Chapter 5. Construct the Bronze Layer

Chapter 6. Build the Silver Layer

Chapter 7. Streamline the Gold Layer

Part Ill. Real-World Case Studies

Chapter 8. Case Study: Data, Analytics and Business Strategy at AP Pension

Chapter 9. Case Study: Amadeus, a Tech Leader in the Travel Industry

Chapter 10. Case Study: Strategic Data Transformation at ZEISS

Part IV. Scaling, Governance, and the Future of Medallion Architectures

Chapter 11. Scaling the Medallion Architecture

Chapter 12. Medallion Governance and Security

Chapter 13. Future Medallion Architectures with Generative Al

About the Author

Piethein Strengholt is the chief data officer for Microsoft Netherlands. He acts as a counterpart to CDOs and is a driving force in the community and the product group. Piethein is also a prolific blogger and regularly speaks about the latest trends in data management, including the data mesh concept, data governance, and strategy at scale.