Denodo joins Snowflake-led semantic data standard push

Denodo has joined the Open Semantic Interchange.

Led by Snowflake, the initiative focuses on a vendor-neutral standard for semantic data exchange across data and AI platforms.

The move places Denodo among a group of companies developing an open source specification to standardise how business meaning, metrics and data definitions are described and shared. The goal is to reduce inconsistencies across systems used for analytics, business intelligence and machine learning.

Open Semantic Interchange, or OSI, is designed to create a common format for semantic metadata. This metadata provides the business context behind data, including how a metric is defined or how a business term should be interpreted across different software tools.

Supporters argue that fragmented definitions create problems when organisations use multiple platforms for dashboards, notebooks, governance tools and AI models. A shared specification is intended to make those definitions easier to exchange between products from different suppliers.

Denodo said its role in the initiative will focus on interoperability between its semantic layer and other semantic technologies. The data management and integration company also highlighted the project's relevance for organisations operating across hybrid, multi-cloud and sovereign environments.

Richard Jones, Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan at Denodo, said the initiative addresses a broader issue facing companies adopting analytics and AI tools.

"A universal, vendor-neutral semantic standard is critical for enterprises to accelerate innovation and unlock greater business value from AI and analytics," Jones said.

"We're excited to join the Open Semantic Interchange and collaborate with Snowflake and other industry leaders to define the next-generation semantic standard. Through OSI, Denodo will enable interoperability between our semantic layer-which delivers trusted business context and live access to operational data across hybrid, multi-cloud, and sovereign environments-and other semantic technologies, helping customers drive measurable business outcomes."

Common definitions

Semantic layers have become more prominent as companies try to ensure that business users, analysts and AI systems work from the same definitions. In practice, that can mean creating a single agreed description for measures such as revenue, customer churn or inventory, rather than allowing separate teams or tools to calculate them differently.

OSI backers say the lack of a common approach has increased complexity as enterprises expand their use of cloud data platforms, AI tools and specialised analytics products. A standard semantic model is intended to give organisations more consistency when moving data products or analytical logic between those systems.

Snowflake, which is leading the initiative with partners from several sectors, described the work as spanning business intelligence, data governance, data engineering, AI, financial services and manufacturing. The project is structured as an open source effort with a focus on community input and transparent development.

For Denodo, the decision also reflects the growing importance of interoperability in enterprise data architecture. Many large organisations now manage data across on-premises systems, multiple public clouds and regulated environments with location or sovereignty requirements. Shared semantic definitions are increasingly seen as one way to make those estates easier to govern.

Industry push

The push for semantic standards has gathered pace as companies try to link AI systems more closely to governed business data. If an AI application draws on inconsistent or unclear definitions, results can vary across departments and tools, creating risks for reporting and decision-making.

Snowflake said the initiative is intended to provide that common foundation.

"Unlocking the full potential of data and AI requires a common foundation, and the Open Semantic Interchange is the critical step in building that bedrock," said Josh Klahr, Director of Analytics Product Management at Snowflake.

"Our collaboration with partners like Denodo establishes a unified, vendor-neutral standard for semantic data, ensuring clarity and consistency across the entire ecosystem. This initiative is essential for simplifying data operations, fostering innovation, and preparing organizations to build the next generation of AI applications," said Klahr.

Denodo is already a Snowflake Premier partner, and the companies have an existing relationship in data and analytics deployments. Joining OSI extends that relationship into standards development, where software suppliers are increasingly trying to shape the frameworks that sit between competing products.

Whether OSI gains broad adoption will depend on support from a wide range of vendors and users, particularly in areas where semantic definitions are closely tied to governance and compliance. For now, the initiative adds to industry efforts to make data and AI systems easier to connect through shared business definitions.