Data mesh and data fabric caught the attention of data leaders in the early 2020s as a compelling way to retain and deliver information across highly disparate enterprises. Then AI came into the picture in a big way, overshadowing the time and attention devoted to mesh and fabric.

Lately, because data-hungry AI systems demand a seamless flow of information, there has been a resurgence of interest in the flexibility that mesh and fabric provide. To meet this need, mesh and fabric are being layered together, rather than being categorized as differing approaches to data decentralization.