Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services to Alation

Archie's take

If you're running Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and need to surface detailed data lineage in Alation, this connector is a practical, targeted solution. It's best for organizations with complex ETL pipelines who need to visualize and govern data flows—especially where regulatory or audit requirements demand transparency from source to target. The standout feature is its ability to map Table-to-File, File-to-Table, and Table-to-Table relationships directly into Alation, which is a big win for data governance teams struggling with black-box ETL jobs. However, implementation isn't plug-and-play: you'll need solid SSIS and Alation expertise, and the value is really maximized in environments with significant data complexity and compliance needs. Cost-wise, this is a specialized investment—overkill for small shops, but a strong value for mid-sized and large enterprises with mature data governance programs.