There are two closely related threads to DataBender: The mechanism that selects, subsets, adds, deletes, alters, hides, un-links and re-links data is called "bending" and is set up as a series of rules to be applied to the data. For example to clone a database for the purposes of training will require reducing the volume, changing commercially sensitive statistics, prices etc, and substituting private information and commercial contact data by dummy values.

Even where a straightforward SELECT for the purpose of analysis is being performed there are important compliance issues that need to be considered, not least some agreement about the use, care and disposal of the supplied data together with an agreed method of physically packaging it, managing access credentials and so on.

Databender provides a robust management framework to control access to data and an efficient means to perform typical export and distribution tasks.

Sub-setting and packaging is built-in to DataBender so that for example the monthly sales figures can be collected, formatted for say a spreadsheet, packaged and emailed securely on a per-area basis. Even where the data protection issues are slight DataBender can rattle-off the formatting, packaging and distribution tasks.