Snowflake backs open semantic data standard to boost AI trust

Snowflake, along with a group of technology partners, has announced its commitment to the Open Semantic Interchange (OSI) initiative, which seeks to establish a common, open source framework for the definition and exchange of semantic metadata.

The OSI initiative arises from a recognised obstacle in the current use of data for both human and AI analysis: fragmented data semantics across various tools and platforms. The new framework aims to create a vendor-neutral semantic model specification that standardises the way semantic metadata is defined and shared, promoting consistency in business logic throughout AI and business intelligence (BI) applications.

Collaboration aims

The initiative brings together key industry participants, including Alation, Atlan, BlackRock, Blue Yonder, Cube, dbt Labs, Elementum AI, Hex, Honeydew, Mistral AI, Omni, RelationalAI, Salesforce, Select Star, Sigma, Snowflake, and ThoughtSpot. OSI's stated goals are to enhance interoperability across tools and platforms, accelerate AI and BI application adoption, and reduce operational complexity.

Describing the motivation behind OSI, Snowflake's Executive Vice President of Product, Christian Kleinerman, said:

"At Snowflake, we've long believed that interoperability and open standards are essential to unlocking the full potential of AI with your data. With the Open Semantic Interchange initiative, we are proud to be leading the charge alongside our partners to solve a foundational challenge for AI - the lack of a common semantic standard. This initiative reflects the industry coming together, not competing, to solve shared challenges and build a more connected, open ecosystem for all."

Semantic coherence

The central rationale for OSI is the need for consistent semantics as businesses increasingly apply AI to their data. At present, different tools interpret business metrics and metadata in their own ways, introducing confusion and undermining trust in analytics and AI outcomes. OSI proposes a single, vendor-neutral specification that governs semantic data across platforms, so organisations can deploy AI and BI with greater assurance and efficiency.

OSI's framework enables disparate tools to 'speak the same language,' thereby allowing organisations to choose preferred technologies without sacrificing consistency in how business logic is applied. Standardising data semantics is expected to more rapidly build confidence in the outputs of AI and BI applications.

Operationally, the initiative looks to simplify how companies manage semantic definitions. By reducing the duplication of efforts among data and AI teams, OSI promises to move team focus from data reconciliation to the development of new solutions and innovation.

Industry response

The collaboration has secured broad support from across the technology and financial sectors. Southard Jones, Chief Product Officer at Tableau, commented on the initiative's significance:

"The future of AI depends on trust - and trust starts with consistent, reliable data. By co-leading the Open Semantic Interchange with Snowflake and our partners, we're building the foundation every AI agent and BI application needs: a common semantic framework that preserves meaning across platforms. This is the Rosetta Stone for business data, ensuring our customers can harness trusted insights with confidence, no matter where their data lives."

Ryan Segar, Chief Product Officer at dbt Labs, described the project as an extension of dbt Labs' mission to improve the efficiency of data teams. Segar said:

"Our focus at dbt Labs has always been to empower data teams to work more efficiently. We see the Open Semantic Interchange as a natural extension of this, as it aims to solve the foundational problem of siloed and incompatible data semantics. By creating a universal language for data definitions, this open source initiative will help data practitioners ensure consistency and reliability, which is essential for scaling AI initiatives."

Financial sector support is also evident, with Diwakar Goel, Global Head of Aladdin Data at BlackRock, noting the potential of the standard for investment management clients:

"At BlackRock, we're constantly seeking ways to enhance data interoperability and drive innovation for our clients. The Aladdin platform unifies the investment management process through a common data language across public and private markets, helping clients unlock value and scale. We are excited to be part of the Open Semantic Interchange to help establish a common, vendor-neutral specification that will not only streamline data exchange but also accelerate the adoption of AI and business intelligence applications across the financial industry."

Open ecosystem

With momentum evident as more organisations join, the OSI signals a move away from single-vendor solutions in favour of industry collaboration and a common standard. Stakeholders view this as groundwork for broader, trusted use of AI and BI, facilitated by a more open, standardised approach to data semantics.