A data sharing tool is a system that enables real-time data sharing across various systems. These platforms typically combine scalability, security, and governance with ease of use for non-technical business users. As opposed to traditional single-box options, these read review are designed to support the constant nature of real-time data sharing. This includes supporting multiple consumers, producers cloud, divisions or companies, as well as high rates of data processing and bidirectional flow, and allowing ongoing and one-time data exchanges.

In the medical field this entails sharing de-identified patient records with researchers and other clinicians. This enables collaboration on research projects that accelerate the development of new medical treatments and improve treatment. This allows for quicker second opinions and helps patients determine the best treatment options.

Data sharing also allows research to be more efficient. Researchers can pool their resources and expertise to avoid duplication of effort and perform larger analyses of trends across a larger geographic or topic. It can also decrease the need to invest money in new infrastructure by permitting researchers to make use of existing datasets.

Airbnb shared host data that was anonymous with New York City as an example of a public sector solution to the issue of illegal short-term rentals. This demonstrates how sharing data can benefit both the private and public sector.