Palantir Foundry

Basic Information

• Model/Version: Palantir Foundry is a continuously updated software platform, not a product with distinct version numbers or release dates in the traditional sense.
• Release Date: The platform has evolved over time, with its core concepts designed to integrate, analyze, and act on data at scale.
• Minimum Requirements (for self-hosted components):
  • Agent program: 64-bit Linux or other Linux operating system, 4 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB free disk space mounted at /opt.
  • Data Connector server: 64-bit Unix-based operating system, 4 physical cores, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB hard disk.
• Supported Operating Systems: For self-hosted components, 64-bit Linux or Unix-based operating systems are supported. Client access is typically via modern web browsers.
• Latest Stable Version: As a continuously updated SaaS platform, specific stable versions are not publicly designated in the traditional software release model.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified due to its continuous update and managed SaaS model.
• End of Life Date: Not publicly specified due to its continuous update and managed SaaS model.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Not publicly specified due to its continuous update and managed SaaS model.
• License Type: Commercial enterprise platform. Specific licensing details are typically negotiated per enterprise.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-based (SaaS, integrates with AWS, Azure, GCP) or on-premise/hybrid deployments are supported.

Analysis: Palantir Foundry operates as a comprehensive, continuously evolving platform rather than a static software product. This means traditional versioning and end-of-life dates are less applicable. Its deployment flexibility across cloud and on-premise environments, coupled with specific requirements for self-hosted components, highlights its enterprise-grade nature. The platform's core is designed to be highly scalable, leveraging underlying infrastructure for performance.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: 16 GB RAM for agent program and Data Connector server.
• Processor: 4 CPU cores for agent program and Data Connector server.
• Storage: 500 GB free disk space for agent program and Data Connector server.
• Display: Client-side access typically requires a modern web browser.
• Ports: Specific port configurations are required for self-hosted installations and network security.
• Operating System: 64-bit Linux or Unix-based operating systems for self-hosted components.

Analysis: Palantir Foundry's technical requirements are primarily for its server-side components in self-hosted or hybrid deployments, emphasizing robust server specifications for data processing and connectivity. For end-users, the requirements are minimal, relying on modern web browsers. The platform itself is designed to scale dynamically within cloud environments, abstracting much of the underlying hardware management from the end-user.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: Palantir Foundry is a continuously updated managed SaaS platform.
• OS Support: Client access is browser-based. For self-hosted components, 64-bit Linux and Unix-based operating systems are supported.
• End of Support Date: Not publicly specified; continuous updates imply ongoing support for the managed platform.
• Localization: Information not explicitly available in public documentation.
• Available Data Connectors: Over 200 data connectors are available, supporting various ingress topologies including agent-based, REST, and JDBC.

Analysis: Palantir Foundry demonstrates strong compatibility with diverse data sources and major cloud providers, facilitating extensive data integration. Its nature as a continuously updated SaaS platform ensures ongoing support and feature enhancements. While specific localization details are not prominent, its broad enterprise adoption suggests a global reach. The extensive array of data connectors highlights its capability to integrate with complex, heterogeneous data landscapes.

Security Status

• Security Features: Granular access controls, zero-trust architecture, least privilege, defense-in-depth, network security hardening, host and network-based intrusion detection systems, mandatory encryption (in transit and at rest), robust security audit logging, data protection and governance, data lineage, adaptable multi-level security, and robust classification with Access Control Lists (ACLs).
• Known Vulnerabilities: Several CVEs have been identified and patched, including:
  • CVE-2024-49581: Restricted Views bypass.
  • CVE-2023-30970, CVE-2023-30967: Path traversal issues.
  • CVE-2022-27894, CVE-2023-30968: Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities.
  • CVE-2022-27896, CVE-2022-27895: Information exposure through log files.
  • CVE-2023-30969: Unauthenticated endpoint listing usernames.
  • CVE-2024-49588: SQL injection vulnerabilities.
  • CVE-2023-22835: Denial of Service (DoS) vulnerability.
  Patches are automatically deployed to Apollo-managed Foundry instances.
• Blacklist Status: No information found regarding any blacklist status.
• Certifications: Compliant with CNSSI 1253, ICD 503, NIST SP 800-53, and accredited at IL2, IL5, IL6, and TS/SCI levels. Also complies with HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 1, 2, 3, ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, 27018, FedRAMP High, FISMA High, AWS Qualified Software, CCPA, CMMC, CSA STAR, Cyber Essentials.
• Encryption Support: Mandatory encryption for all data, both in transit (TLS 1.2+ with strong cipher suites) and at rest (application-level encryption, full-disk encryption with AES-256 or AES-128). Hardware Security Modules (HSM) are recommended for cryptographic key material storage.
• Authentication Methods: Supports integration with existing identity providers (SAML 2.0, OpenID Connect 1.0), Palantir's self-service passwordless identity provider using FIDO2 passkeys, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required. OAuth2 is used for production applications.
• General Recommendations: Implement strong access controls, encrypt data at rest and in transit, conduct regular audits and monitoring, adhere to compliance standards, and foster security awareness.

Analysis: Palantir Foundry demonstrates an exceptionally robust security framework, built on principles of zero-trust and least privilege, with extensive certifications and compliance across various stringent standards. The platform enforces mandatory encryption, strong authentication methods including MFA and FIDO2 passkeys, and comprehensive audit logging. While vulnerabilities are periodically discovered, Palantir's rapid patching and automatic deployment to managed instances indicate a proactive security posture, maintaining a high overall security rating.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific public benchmark scores are not readily available for Palantir Foundry as a comprehensive platform.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Described as "very powerful" with "top notch" data engineering tooling, especially for wide organizational adoption. It excels in connecting complex data to operational decision-making. However, some users note it can be "heavy" and exhibit "slow iteration speed for small to medium size datasets" due to its comprehensive lineage tracking. It is designed for large-scale data processing and operationalization.
• Power Consumption: Not applicable for a software platform; depends on underlying infrastructure (cloud or on-premise hardware).
• Carbon Footprint: Not applicable for a software platform; depends on underlying infrastructure (cloud or on-premise hardware).
• Comparison with Similar Assets:
  • Vs. Microsoft Fabric and Databricks: Foundry excels in operationalizing data and deploying applications to frontline workers. Databricks is stronger for large-scale data processing and advanced ML workflows, while Microsoft Fabric integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem.
  • Other Competitors: DataWalk, AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Informatica, Snowflake, SAS, Alteryx, Tableau, Dataiku, UiPath.

Analysis: Palantir Foundry is engineered for high performance in complex, large-scale data environments, focusing on transforming raw data into actionable insights for operational decision-making. While lacking specific public benchmark figures, user feedback indicates its power for enterprise-wide data integration and analytics. Its strength lies in its holistic approach to the data lifecycle and its ability to operationalize data, distinguishing it from platforms primarily focused on storage or analysis.

User Reviews & Feedback

• Strengths: Users highlight its robust security, built-in features like data lineage and governance, and its low-code/no-code capabilities that empower business users. Its collaborative workspaces enhance team efficiency, and its ability to integrate data, provide insights, and automate workflows for better decision-making is highly valued. It effectively addresses data silos, data quality, fraud detection, risk management, and predictive analytics through its AIP functionality.
• Weaknesses: Common criticisms include its high cost and the difficulty of offline practice without an enterprise edition. Some users find the platform "heavy" and note slow iteration speeds for small to medium datasets due to extensive lineage tracking. Certain applications within Foundry, such as Workshop, Contour, and Quiver, are perceived as overly complicated compared to alternatives like Tableau or Power BI, and its visualization and analysis tools could be improved for non-technical users. A lack of public documentation for some tools is also mentioned.
• Recommended Use Cases: Palantir Foundry is recommended for building operational asset intelligence, achieving live supply visibility and disruption response, generating rolling forecasts, managing personnel and mission readiness, financial modeling with live operational data, and deploying predictive maintenance models. It is also used for cybersecurity applications (incident response, threat detection), data engineering, and as a self-service tool for business users to develop data models and use cases.

Analysis: User feedback consistently positions Palantir Foundry as a powerful, comprehensive platform for tackling complex enterprise data challenges, particularly excelling in security, data governance, and operationalizing insights. Its low-code/no-code features are appreciated for broadening access to data analytics. However, the significant investment required and a perceived learning curve for some tools are notable considerations for potential adopters. It is best suited for organizations seeking a unified, end-to-end solution for data-driven operations.

Summary

Palantir Foundry is a sophisticated, continuously updated enterprise data integration and analytics platform designed to transform raw data into actionable insights and drive operational decision-making. Its core strength lies in its holistic approach, unifying data transformation, analysis, and operational deployment within a single, secure ecosystem. The platform boasts an exceptionally robust security framework, featuring granular access controls, mandatory encryption (at rest and in transit), multi-factor authentication, and extensive compliance with numerous industry and government certifications including HIPAA, GDPR, and FedRAMP High. It supports flexible deployment models, including cloud-based SaaS and on-premise/hybrid configurations, and offers over 200 data connectors for seamless integration with diverse data sources.

Key strengths include its powerful data engineering tooling, comprehensive data lineage and governance capabilities, and low-code/no-code environments that empower both technical and non-technical users to build applications and derive insights. Foundry excels in operationalizing data, enabling use cases such as predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, financial modeling, and cybersecurity.

However, the platform presents certain weaknesses. It is often cited as a costly solution, and its closed nature can limit offline practice. Some users report that the platform can feel "heavy" and that iteration speeds for smaller datasets can be slow due to its thorough lineage tracking. Additionally, certain internal applications are perceived as complex, and there is a desire for more public documentation.

Overall, Palantir Foundry is a highly capable and secure platform best suited for large enterprises with complex, mission-critical data challenges that require deep integration, advanced analytics, and the operationalization of insights across the organization. Its strengths in security, governance, and end-to-end data management make it a compelling choice for organizations willing to invest in a comprehensive solution to achieve data-driven operational excellence.

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.