Azure Data Catalog v2 Adds Basic Features

• Azure Data Catalog is a centralized, hosted registry of enterprise data sources with basic cataloging functionality.
• Crowdsourced features simplify registering and documenting data sources.
• The first major release in three years lacks advanced cataloging features found in competing products.
• The service also has no published roadmap, so customers should likely consider alternatives.

Azure Data Catalog is designed to simplify registering, documenting, and sharing information about approved data sources with developers and data analysts. It is not a query tool but instead a registry that describes data sources and their uses, which can help organizations reduce the number of reports and analyses performed on incorrect or invalid data. The hosted service also provides a secure environment with less maintenance than on-premises solutions.

Sharing Enterprise Data

Many organizations create internal data catalogs where approved data sources are registered and documented using a product such as SQL Server Master Data Services, an internal Web site, or a third-party solution. These catalogs are often maintained and documented by IT departments for IT purposes with limited access available to business users.