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Alation makes the data catalog easier
March 31, 2023

Alation makes the data catalog easier

Miriam Barberena | TrustRadius Reviewer
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Alation Data Catalog

We use Alation for visibility into the tables, views, and dashboards across our data platforms, adding metadata to help users find the best data for their needs. We also use the Business Glossary capability to provide a centralized, searchable place that promotes a common business language. It includes definitions, business rules, some concept diagrams, and links to additional context. And we use articles to provide additional context, best practices, and links to training.
  • Ability to link objects using the @ symbol. It allows us to easily provide a way to get more information or context. So if the business concept is part of a hierarchy, we can link to the other terms in that hierarchy.
  • The customization is really helpful. Most object types have robust customization options. Others are less so, but it is improving. We've created multiple custom fields to support our data governance framework.
  • The search feature with filtering is helpful in narrowing down what you're looking for.
  • Term tables are not yet in the Alation Analytics area. This makes it difficult to manage the creation of terms in the various business glossaries.
  • We've had some issues with the connectors, but Alation has been helpful in trying to get them to work.
  • The BI area is not as robust as the rdbms area. Tableau dashboards are listed as folders which can be confusing for users.
  • Search
  • Automated synching with data sources
  • Customization
  • Bulk updating
  • Provides a place where people can go to find things
  • When we first implemented, someone was concerned that people would now see what a mess our data environment was. I consider that a feature. We can't clean up if we can't see what we have.
Alation's implementation seemed easier, and their team seemed more responsive and willing to work with our needs. The product and Alation as a company met more of our needs than the others.

Do you think Alation Data Catalog delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Alation Data Catalog's feature set?

Yes

Did Alation Data Catalog live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Alation Data Catalog go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Alation Data Catalog again?

Yes

Alation is pretty easy to implement. We were able to do it ourselves with Alation's help, no 3rd party needed. We are currently migrating to Snowflake, and it has been helpful with prioritizing what gets migrated. It's great for searching for tables and views. I even use it when I'm trying to find fields in a large table. If I'm not sure if the field is called first_name, firstname, or fname, I can use Alation's table page, filter for fields with "name", and easily find it.