This data system is set up to create novel insights and analyze the data that you have, often in a data access pattern like OLAP, where aggregations are key.
Since no mutating operations are performed on the actual data, these systems are often read only data-sets. Whilst no operations are performed, transformations usually happen when the data is loaded in in the form of ETL’s.
This data system is in contrast of an operational data system, where data actively gets mutated.
Reference
Kleppmann, Martin, and Chris Riccomini. Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems. Second Edition, O’Reilly Media, 2026.