ThoughtSpot joins Snowflake to launch open data semantics OSI

ThoughtSpot has announced its participation in the launch of the Open Semantic Interchange (OSI), an open source initiative developed alongside Snowflake and other industry partners, aimed at standardising data semantics across tools and platforms.

OSI's primary objective is to create a universal, vendor-neutral specification for the semantic layer within the modern data stack, providing a standardised approach for defining data and ensuring consistency across various systems. The initiative is expected to facilitate improved interoperability between dashboards, notebooks, AI agents, and machine learning models.

Semantic standardisation

The project addresses ongoing challenges in the data and analytics sector, particularly the issue of fragmented data definitions that can undermine trust and clarity for businesses trying to derive insights from their data.

"The semantic layer has been a foundational part of ThoughtSpot's DNA. We built our platform on the power of search to empower everyone to get trusted answers from data instantly. We've seen firsthand how fragmented data definitions cause confusion and erode trust, and the Open Semantic Interchange is what the industry has needed for a long time-a universal framework to ensure a single source of truth," said Francois Lopitaux, SVP of Product Management at ThoughtSpot.

"By joining this open source initiative, we are making data access and analysis seamless, easy, and trusted for our customers. GenAI has accelerated the need for this unified approach, and together with Snowflake and other industry players, we are building the foundation for a more intelligent and fact-driven data ecosystem for everyone."

The collaborative approach undertaken by OSI seeks to unify disparate data definitions, making it easier for organisations to integrate and analyse data through a consistent framework. This is anticipated to streamline operations while reducing the complexity often associated with multi-platform data environments.

Industry collaboration

ThoughtSpot's involvement as a launch partner is expected to contribute to the community-driven nature of OSI, providing essential insights and resources to help shape its open framework.

The standardisation initiative is also being positioned as a catalyst for the broader adoption of artificial intelligence and business intelligence tools, enabling organisations to share data products with greater accuracy and efficiency.

OSI is designed to support the growing demand for trustworthy, accessible data as AI and machine learning increasingly underpin business decision-making processes.

"The Open Semantic Interchange is a critical step toward unlocking a new era of interoperability across the data and AI ecosystem," said Josh Klahr, Director of Analytics Product Management, Snowflake. "We are pleased to work with ThoughtSpot as a launch partner on this open-source initiative. Together with the OSI, we are ensuring a common, standardised understanding of semantic data across the ecosystem, ultimately simplifying data operations and providing our joint customers with the trusted data and insights they need to drive their business forward."

Impact on data and AI ecosystems

According to stakeholders, OSI's open standard has the potential to simplify the integration of data sources and analytical tools, allowing businesses to construct more robust and future-ready data infrastructures. This interoperability is becoming increasingly crucial as organisations seek to leverage AI to improve efficiency and inform strategy.

The shared semantic framework will also enable faster and more reliable sharing of data insights across departmental and organisational boundaries, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and supporting data-driven cultures.

The community-centric nature of OSI is seen as a means to ensure ongoing evolution and adaptability of the standard, reflecting the rapid pace of development in AI, analytics, and data management fields.

The initiative follows ongoing calls within the analytics and data management sectors for improved standards to enhance collaboration, ensure the trustworthiness of insights, and manage the growing complexity of data environments across industries.

OSI's development and adoption will be monitored closely by organisations seeking to simplify their data environments and maximise their AI investment, with participation from partners such as ThoughtSpot and Snowflake expected to drive early momentum.