ABSTRACT: With numerous data catalog options available, all claiming to be the best, how do you make an informed decision without exhaustive research?

Read time: 3 mins.

With so many data catalog options available, each claiming to be the best, how do you make an informed decision without exhaustive research? The lack of vendor-neutral guidance can significantly hinder decision-making, leading companies to invest in solutions that fail to meet their needs, resulting in wasted resources and missed opportunities.

To address this gap, we have invested months of rigorous effort to create a resource that accelerates decision-making and mitigates these risks. Our latest report, "Next-Generation Data Catalogs: Five Products You Should Know," is designed to provide data leaders with the guidance needed to make effective, cost-efficient choices. Having a trusted, unbiased review of the tools makes it easier to get approval from decision-makers.

A New Breed of Data Catalogs

Our report profiles five next-generation data catalogs designed to meet modern needs: Castor Doc, Metaphor, Select Star, ThinkData Works, and Zeenea. These vendors represent a new category of tools rising fast and competing with incumbent data catalogs.

The report provides a comparative analysis of pricing models, demonstrating how next-generation data catalogs offer substantial functionality at a fraction of the cost of incumbent solutions. Pricing for these next-gen catalogs typically ranges between $70,000 and $90,000 per year for enterprise licenses, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional solutions. 

The Blood, Sweat, and Data Behind the Report

Over several months, we engaged with multiple vendors, conducted in-depth briefings, and adapted our evaluation criteria to ensure comprehensive coverage. Our methodology included:

• Thorough Vendor Engagement: We conducted multiple briefings with each vendor to drill into the technical and functional details of their offerings. This hands-on approach allowed us to understand each product's unique capabilities and limitations, ensuring a nuanced and detailed evaluation.

• Adaptive Taxonomy: As we learned about new features and attributes during our research, we dynamically adjusted our evaluation criteria. This adaptive approach ensured that our analysis remained relevant and comprehensive, capturing the latest advancements in the data catalog space.

• Quadrant Chart: To visually represent our findings, we plotted vendors on axes of "company scale" and "functionality." The horizontal axis assessed factors such as company size, revenue, and market presence, while the vertical axis evaluated the breadth and depth of the product's features. This chart provides a clear visual representation of each vendor's standing, making it easier for readers to compare and identify suitable solutions at a glance.

Bonus Content: Companion Worksheet

As a valuable addition to the report, the Companion Worksheet offers a detailed, customizable tool for our readers. It includes notes on over 40 evaluation criteria, helping you compare and contrast the capabilities of different data catalogs. 

This practical worksheet allows you to add your own notes and scores, making it a dynamic resource tailored to your specific needs. Whether you are evaluating the scalability, user interface, integration capabilities, or pricing models, this worksheet provides a structured approach to making the right choices.

Why Now?

A robust metadata repository is crucial to support data discovery and self-service as well as data governance, compliance, data migration, and cost optimization. This report is designed to be a trusted guide for data leaders who lack the time and resources to conduct comprehensive research.

Get Your Copy Today

Invest in your organization’s data management strategy with our exclusive report. The knowledge and guidance contained within are designed to empower you to make the best decisions for your data catalog needs. For more details and to purchase your copy, click here.