Understand OCF Source Types

Alation supports a number of OCF source types to help you organize your organization’s data landscape.

A source is any system or repository that contributes metadata to the Alation data catalog. Cataloging sources in Alation enables metadata extraction, query log ingestion, lineage tracing, and enhanced data discovery. When you add a source, Alation connects to it using Open Connector Framework (OCF) connectors, and extracts metadata and other relevant information for cataloging.

An OCF source type refers to the category of system or platform that can be added to the data catalog to represent where data resides, is transformed, or is consumed. Each source type such as a database, file system, BI server, or ELT tool—defines how Alation connects to, extracts metadata from, and documents that system within the catalog.

With the Open Connector Framework, you can catalog the following types of sources:

Data Source

A data source refers to a database system, such as a relational database (RDBMS). Alation provides connectors for many common database types. If Alation does not offer a connector, you can use a Virtual Data Source option.

Refer to the Data Source Connectors section of the documentation for information on supported data sources.

BI Server Source

A BI server source represents business intelligence platforms like Tableau, Power BI, Looker, and others. This type of source allows Alation to catalog reports, dashboards, and associated metadata.

Refer to the BI Connectors section of the documentation for information on BI systems.

File System Source

A file system source catalogs data stored in file systems, such as HDFS, Amazon S3, or Azure Blob Storage. Alation extracts metadata about file structures, locations, and formats.

Refer to the File System section of the documentation for information on supported file system sources.

ELT Source

An ELT source catalogs the data transformation logic used in your data pipeline and can be essential for capturing lineage across your data pipelines. Use the ELT source to catalog supported ELT tools, projects, models, and workflows, ensuring visibility into data movement within your data ecosystem.

Refer to the ELT Connectors section of the documentation for information on supported ELT sources.

Source Cataloging and Metadata Operations

Once a source is added to the catalog, you can initiate metadata extraction (MDE), data profiling, query log ingestion (QLI), and lineage generation depending on the source type. These operations enrich the catalog with technical metadata, making your data ecosystem transparent and navigable.

Each source has its own catalog page, where users can explore metadata, usage, lineage, and relevant data documentation.

Understanding and cataloging your sources of data is the first step toward building a well-governed, searchable, and trustworthy data environment. Whether your data lives in databases, files, or BI platforms, Alation supports flexible options to help you bring it all together in one place.