Alation

Basic Information

• Model: Alation Data Intelligence Platform (also known as Alation Data Catalog)
• Version: Releases are designated by year and quarter (e.g., 2025.1, 2024.3). Cloud releases follow a monthly cadence, while customer-managed releases are twice-yearly.
• Release Date: The company was founded in 2012, and its data catalog product was launched in 2015.
• Minimum Requirements: Vary significantly based on deployment size (Proof of Concept, Baseline, Midrange, Enterprise). Requires a minimum root drive of 80 GB.
• Supported Operating Systems: CentOS 7.x or 8.x, RedHat 7.x or 8.x, Ubuntu 16, 18, 20, AWS Linux 2, Fedora 31, 32, 33, 34, Debian 9, 10, Oracle Linux on Red Hat Compatible Kernel 7, 8.
• Latest Stable Version: As of November 2025, recent General Availability releases include 2025.1 and 2024.3. Patch releases such as 2025.1.5.1 (released September 23, 2025) and 2024.3.5.1 (released February 28, 2025) are available.
• End of Support Date: For customer-managed (on-premise) deployments, a version reaches End-of-Life (EOL) one year after its General Availability (GA) release date, after which it no longer receives code fixes, patches, or updates.
• End of Life Date: Same as End of Support Date for on-premise versions. Alation Cloud Service instances do not have an EOL date as they are continuously updated and managed by Alation.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not applicable for Alation Cloud Service (ACS) as software upgrades are performed automatically as new versions become available. For customer-managed instances, updates are manual.
• License Type: Subscription-based, typically with tiered user licenses: Creator (for admins, stewards, composers), Explorer (for users running query forms or using connected sheets), and Viewer (for information-only access).
• Deployment Model: Available as Alation Cloud Service (SaaS, fully administered and maintained by Alation) or customer-managed (on-premise, requiring customer to host infrastructure and perform administration).

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 32 GB for the Alation server, with an additional 2 GB per million objects. Enterprise deployments can scale up to 128 GB. Alation Analytics V2 requires a minimum of 16 GB RAM if installed on a separate server, or 32 GB if co-located with the Alation catalog.
• Processor: Hardware requirements depend on the number of database objects and queries. Enterprise deployments recommend 20 cores (2.4GHz). Alation Analytics V2 requires 4 cores.
• Storage:
  • Root Drive: Minimum 80 GB (for Alation binaries, typically at /opt/alation).
  • Data Drive: Baseline 500 GB, primarily for Alation's internal database. Enterprise deployments recommend 2 TB plus 1.25 GB per 1,000 queries per day.
  • Backup Drive: Should be 1.5 times the size of the data drive to accommodate staged and compressed backup files.
  • Alation Analytics V2: Recommends 50-100 GB for its installation directory.
  • File System: All disks must use ext4 or xfs file systems. Root, Data, and Backup disks should be on different physical disks.
• Display: Standard display for web-based application access.
• Ports: For Alation Analytics V2, outbound TCP ports 5432 (PostgreSQL) and 5672 (RabbitMQ) must be whitelisted.
• Operating System: CentOS 7.x/8.x, RedHat 7.x/8.x, Ubuntu 16/18/20, AWS Linux 2, Fedora 31/32/33/34, Debian 9/10, Oracle Linux on Red Hat Compatible Kernel 7/8.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for Alation Data Intelligence Platform are substantial, reflecting its role as an enterprise-grade data management solution. The scalable nature of its requirements, from Proof of Concept to Enterprise, indicates flexibility for various organizational sizes and data volumes. Memory and storage needs are directly tied to the volume of data objects and queries, emphasizing the importance of proper sizing for optimal performance. The platform's reliance on specific Linux distributions and its chroot environment for core application components suggest a focus on stability and controlled dependencies. The recommendation to install Alation Analytics V2 on a separate host highlights resource intensity and the need for dedicated resources for analytical workloads.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: General Availability releases include 2025.1 and 2024.3, with recent patch releases like 2025.1.5.1 (September 2025) and 2024.3.5.1 (February 2025).
• OS Support: Compatible with various Linux distributions including CentOS, RedHat, Ubuntu, AWS Linux, Fedora, Debian, and Oracle Linux.
• End of Support Date: On-premise versions reach End-of-Life (and thus end of support) one year after their General Availability release. Alation Cloud Service instances receive continuous updates and do not have an EOL date. Alation publishes an "End of Support Matrix" for specific data sources, connectors, drivers, browsers, and operating systems.
• Localization: Information on specific localization support is not publicly detailed.
• Available Drivers: Alation offers native connectors for over 50 data sources and supports custom connections via RESTful APIs. It also utilizes an Open Connector Framework (OCF) for extended connectivity to various data sources, BI tools, and file systems.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

Alation demonstrates strong support and compatibility, particularly through its extensive connector ecosystem and clear lifecycle policy for on-premise deployments. The continuous update model for Alation Cloud Service ensures users always have access to the latest features and security patches without manual intervention. The availability of an End of Support Matrix helps organizations plan upgrades and manage their data ecosystem effectively. While specific localization details are not readily available, the broad OS support and numerous connectors highlight a commitment to enterprise-wide integration and accessibility. The platform's ability to integrate with a wide array of data sources and BI tools positions it as a versatile solution for diverse data environments.

Security Status

• Security Features:
  • Automated data curation, automatic lineage creation, intelligent SQL query tools, and propagation of deprecations, warnings, and endorsements.
  • Identification of top-users, experts, and data stewards for improved data governance.
  • Integrated security into Development Operations, including Software Composition Analysis (SCA) for OWASP and NIST Known Vulnerabilities, Static Application Security Testing (SAST), Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), and Penetration Testing.
  • Maintains a written information security program with policies, procedures, and controls for processing, storage, transmission, and security of customer data.
  • Provides an AI governance framework to ensure data quality, transparency, and compliance for AI initiatives.
  • Offers privacy workflow automation and data quality management.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Alation conducts regular security testing, including penetration tests, and addresses identified vulnerabilities. For example, a recent penetration test identified and fixed an issue related to file deletion.
• Blacklist Status: No public information indicates a blacklist status.
• Certifications: Alation's Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) controls generally map to ISO 27001 and SOC2 frameworks.
• Encryption Support: Implied by the comprehensive information security program and secure data handling practices, though specific encryption standards are not detailed in public search results.
• Authentication Methods: Supports various enterprise authentication methods including basic authentication, SAML, OpenID Connect, LDAP, and OAuth 2.0.
• General Recommendations: Alation provides mechanisms for customers to request server configuration changes through support and offers an information security policy upon request.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Alation demonstrates a robust commitment to security, integrating it throughout its development lifecycle and operational practices. The platform's adherence to security best practices, including regular vulnerability scanning, static and dynamic analysis, and penetration testing, indicates a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks. The mapping of its SSDLC to industry standards like ISO 27001 and SOC2 provides a strong foundation for trust. Support for multiple authentication methods and a clear policy for handling security breaches further enhance its security posture. While specific encryption details are not public, the overall security framework suggests a high level of data protection for enterprise use.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores are not available.
• Real-world Performance Metrics:
  • The Alation Consumption Tracker (ACT) pipeline has been improved to support four times more data extraction, handling approximately 120 million records per month.
  • Performance issues related to hydration of @-mentions in catalog lists, which caused 504 errors, have been addressed and fixed.
  • Alation Analytics V2 ETL stability has been improved, and it can be installed on a separate host for optimal performance.
• Power Consumption: Not publicly available for software assets.
• Carbon Footprint: Not publicly available for software assets.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Alation is recognized as a pioneer in the data catalog space and is trusted by 40% of the Fortune 100 companies. It is often compared with other data cataloging tools and data intelligence platforms.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Alation focuses on optimizing its platform for efficient data processing and user experience. While explicit benchmark scores are not publicly disclosed, improvements in data extraction capabilities and resolution of performance bottlenecks indicate ongoing efforts to enhance real-world performance. The architectural recommendation to deploy Alation Analytics V2 on a separate host underscores the platform's design for scalable and high-performance analytical workloads. Its widespread adoption by large enterprises, including a significant portion of the Fortune 100, suggests that the platform meets stringent performance and reliability requirements in demanding environments.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback generally highlight Alation's strengths in data discovery, governance, and collaboration, while also pointing out areas for improvement, particularly concerning complexity and cost.

• Strengths:
  • Provides a unified view of all data assets, making it easy for users to find, share, and collaborate on data.
  • Helps organizations improve data quality and governance, and reduce data costs.
  • Offers effective data discovery through natural language search and AI-powered automation.
  • Features an intuitive user experience that empowers both people and AI models.
  • Trusted by a significant portion of Fortune 100 companies, indicating reliability and meeting stringent enterprise requirements.
  • Strong capabilities in data lineage, metadata management, and data governance workflows.
• Weaknesses:
  • Users report limitations in complex data scenarios and challenges with workflow customization.
  • Feedback suggests a less-than-optimal UI/UX with limited customization options that may not adapt to specific organizational needs.
  • Integrating Alation into existing IT infrastructure can be challenging, and unlocking its full potential may require significant time investment.
  • The pricing model can be complex, especially for on-premise deployments with numerous add-ons, potentially leading to hidden and high cumulative costs (including licensing, implementation, training, and support).
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Data discovery and cataloging for various data assets.
  • Data governance and stewardship, including policy creation, deployment, and enforcement.
  • Ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and AML.
  • Enabling self-service analytics and fostering data literacy.
  • Supporting cloud migrations and data modernization initiatives.
  • Facilitating data product marketplaces and AI governance.

Summary

The Alation Data Intelligence Platform is a comprehensive enterprise-grade solution designed to help organizations discover, understand, govern, and manage their data assets effectively. It stands out as a pioneer in the data catalog space, offering robust features for metadata management, automated data lineage, and collaborative data governance. The platform leverages machine learning and natural language processing to automate data discovery and provide actionable data intelligence, empowering users to make data-driven decisions.

Strengths include its ability to provide a unified view of disparate data assets, extensive connectivity through native and Open Connector Framework (OCF) connectors, and a strong focus on security with practices mapping to ISO 27001 and SOC2 standards. The Alation Cloud Service offers continuous updates and managed services, simplifying maintenance for users. Its adoption by a significant portion of Fortune 100 companies underscores its reliability and capability to meet complex enterprise demands.

Weaknesses often cited by users include the complexity of the platform, particularly in advanced data scenarios and workflow customization. Some feedback points to a less-than-optimal UI/UX and challenges during initial integration and implementation, requiring substantial time investment. The pricing model, especially for on-premise deployments, can be perceived as complex with potential for hidden costs due to add-ons.

Recommendations for Alation include its use for organizations seeking to establish a strong data culture, improve data literacy, ensure regulatory compliance, and streamline data governance across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. It is particularly well-suited for enterprises with large and diverse data ecosystems that require advanced capabilities for data discovery, lineage, and quality management, especially those embarking on AI and data modernization initiatives.

The Alation Data Intelligence Platform is a powerful tool for organizations aiming to maximize the value of their data assets, provided they are prepared for the potential complexities of implementation and ongoing management, especially for on-premise deployments. The cloud service offers a more streamlined experience, handling updates and infrastructure management.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.