Data Isolation and Tenant Separation

This question asks whether your data is kept completely separate from other customers' data (single-tenant, like having your own house) or if it's mixed together but separated by software controls (multi-tenant, like having your own locked apartment in a building). The vendor needs to explain exactly how they prevent other customers from accessing your data.

Poor data separation can lead to data breaches where competitors or malicious actors access your sensitive information through shared infrastructure. Single-tenant environments offer maximum isolation but cost more, while multi-tenant requires strong security controls. Your choice affects compliance requirements, security posture, and costs - critical factors for regulated industries and security-conscious customers.

Vendors often claim 'logical separation' without explaining what that actually means or how it's enforced. Another mistake is assuming single-tenant is always better - it's more expensive and may not be necessary if the vendor has robust multi-tenant security controls properly implemented and audited.