How Does Metaform Work?
Unify Everything
Metaform integrates disparate data sources, delivering universal access through a seamless, intuitive interface.
Connect
Connect Anything, Anywhere
Metaform bridges silos -- connecting structured and unstructured data from anywhere to deliver a unified view.
Simple Data Connectors
Connecting your data, whether relational databases or JSON files, is as simple as filling out a form.
Combine
Schema Discovery, On the Fly
As data scales and schemas shift, traditional integration—dependent on upfront preparation—quickly breaks down. Metaform addresses this with dynamic schema discovery and SQL-native transformation, delivering seamless, at-source integration that evolves with your data.
Consume
Metaform helps you rise above the noise of fragmented systems. Its unified platform, built on open standards, hides the complexity so you can think, move, and act fast.
Visualize Trends
Metaform extends your analytics beyond the data warehouse —connecting external sources into a single, virtualized view.
Build a Data Firewall
Metaform minimizes risk by providing reverse proxy access, centralized access control, and a reduction in the need for physical data copies.
Push Anywhere
Metaform helps organizations with specific constraints adopt edge computing by seamlessly integrating new data sources with existing environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problem does Metaform solve?
Metaform addresses the challenge of analyzing growing and diverse data sets. We solve this problem by providing a self-hosted schema-free SQL engine that lets users query data in-situ (right where it lives) without requiring any data transformation.
Who should use Metaform?
Metaform is designed for a broad range of users who need insights from data without hassle. It's ideal for data analysts, scientists, developers, and even business users who want to explore and analyze data using standard SQL.
Why should I use Metaform vs. another database?
Metaform isn't just another database. It's a self-hosted schema-free SQL engine designed for fast, ad hoc analysis across multiple data sources. Unlike conventional databases that require predefined schemas and data ingestion, Metaform lets you query data in place without ETL.
What do you mean I have to host Metaform?
Metaform isn't a cloud service we operate for you. It's software you install and run on your server, which can be a machine you own or rent from a hosting provider. You stay in complete control of the system and your data. While some basic technical knowledge is helpful, the installation process is straightforward, and we provide everything you need to get up and running.
How can I get data into Metaform?
One of Metaform's strengths is that you don't need to load your data. Instead of importing data, you point Metaform to your data sources, and our schema-free engine can query data in place in-situ without any data transformation.
How is Metaform priced?
Metaform charges a flat $50 per core, per month, per server. There are no storage fees, data transfer fees, per-user charges, or hidden costs. It's simple, predictable pricing.
How is Metaform packaged and delivered?
Metaform is distributed as a Docker container image. When you install it using the command we provide after sign-up, it automatically sets up an SSL certificate for your chosen domain or subdomain. For advanced users, Metaform can also be run directly via Docker on an internal network, giving you complete control over deployment.
How do I get updates to the Metaform software?
Each Metaform installation pings our server once a day to see if there are any updates. If so, it downloads and automatically installs them. You can turn this off if you'd prefer to do it manually.
Can we buy one subscription to Metaform and run it in multiple places?
When you subscribe to Metaform, we'll issue you a single license to install on a single server. You must purchase separate subscriptions if you'd like to install Metaform on multiple servers.
Can we run Metaform without internet access?
Yes. Metaform is fully self-hosted and doesn't require any connection to external servers. It runs entirely on your infrastructure, making it ideal for air-gapped or high-security environments.
Let's talk data.
Talk with an engineer about your data needs and discover how we can help you move faster—with less complexity.
