January 29, 2025

Connect to cloud object storage using Unity Catalog

Simplify cloud object storage management and enhance data governance with Unity Catalog's centralized platform for access control, compliance, and security across multiple cloud providers.
Dexter Chu
Product Marketing

What is Unity Catalog, and how does it simplify cloud object storage management?

Unity Catalog is a unified governance solution designed to manage access to data stored in cloud object storage. It simplifies the process of connecting, securing, and organizing data across various cloud platforms like Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, AWS S3, and Cloudflare R2. By providing a centralized platform, Unity Catalog enforces data governance policies, ensures compliance, and enhances security. Organizations looking to streamline their operations can explore the key features of Databricks Unity Catalog for better understanding.

With Unity Catalog, businesses can reduce complexity in data management and ensure that only authorized users access sensitive information. Its support for both managed and external storage locations provides flexibility in handling cloud storage connections efficiently.

Why should you use Unity Catalog for cloud storage connections?

Unity Catalog offers a robust solution for managing cloud storage connections by providing a unified governance layer, simplifying access control, and enhancing data security. It centralizes the management of data access, helping organizations enforce governance policies and comply with regulatory requirements. Implementing effective data governance strategies through Unity Catalog ensures both security and compliance.

Key benefits of Unity Catalog

Here are some of the main advantages of using Unity Catalog:

  • Unified Governance Layer: Reduces complexity by consolidating the management of data and AI across multiple storage systems, ensuring consistent governance.
  • Enhanced Security: Fine-grained access controls ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data, protecting it from unauthorized access.
  • Simplified Management: Streamlines the process of connecting to cloud storage, making data management more efficient and straightforward.

What are the steps to connect to cloud object storage using Unity Catalog?

Connecting to cloud object storage with Unity Catalog involves creating storage credentials, defining external locations, and specifying managed storage locations. These steps ensure secure and efficient access to cloud storage while maintaining compliance with governance policies. If you're wondering how to set up Unity Catalog, understanding these steps is essential.

1. Create storage credentials

Storage credentials authenticate access to cloud storage, ensuring secure connections. They are a fundamental part of the setup process.

Replace storage account details with your actual credentials to create secure connections. This step ensures that Unity Catalog can authenticate and access your cloud storage.

2. Define external locations

External locations connect your storage path with the credentials created earlier. This step establishes a secure link between Unity Catalog and your cloud storage.

By defining external locations, you bridge the gap between your cloud storage and Unity Catalog, enabling seamless interaction with your data.

3. Specify a managed storage location

Managed storage locations allow Unity Catalog to interact with external cloud storage efficiently. This ensures that data management is centralized and secure.

Specifying managed storage locations is the final step in connecting Unity Catalog to your cloud storage, ensuring smooth data management and governance.

How does Unity Catalog enhance data security and governance?

Unity Catalog enhances data security and governance by offering centralized access management, fine-grained controls, and auditing capabilities. These features help organizations protect sensitive data, enforce governance policies, and comply with regulatory standards. To explore its key value levers, dive deeper into how Unity Catalog strengthens security and governance frameworks.

Features that enhance security and governance

  • Centralized Access Management: Simplifies the enforcement of governance policies across the organization by centralizing data access controls.
  • Fine-Grained Access Controls: Allows for detailed access permissions using securable objects and service credentials, reducing unauthorized access risks.
  • Auditing and Monitoring: Tracks data access and usage, providing insights into potential security risks and ensuring compliance with governance standards.

What are the best practices for using Unity Catalog with cloud object storage?

Following best practices ensures optimal use of Unity Catalog while maintaining data security and governance. These strategies help organizations maximize the benefits of Unity Catalog while avoiding common challenges. Organizations should focus on setting up Unity Catalog effectively to adhere to these recommendations.

Recommended practices

  • Avoid Direct Storage-Level Access: Use Unity Catalog's access controls instead of granting direct storage-level access to users for better security.
  • Use Table Names and /Volumes Paths: Ensure consistency and compatibility by using standardized paths when accessing data.
  • Leverage Cost-Effective Storage Solutions: Opt for compatible and cost-effective storage options like Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 for seamless integration with Unity Catalog.
  • Regularly Update Credentials: Keep credentials updated to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure data management.

How does Unity Catalog support multiple cloud providers?

Unity Catalog is designed to work seamlessly across various cloud storage providers, offering flexibility for organizations with multi-cloud environments. It supports platforms like Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, AWS S3, and Cloudflare R2, ensuring compatibility and ease of use. Unity Catalog's ability to govern data across multiple providers enhances its value for businesses with diverse cloud ecosystems.

Supported cloud providers

  • Azure: Integrates with Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2, providing a scalable and cost-effective storage solution.
  • AWS: Compatible with AWS S3, a widely used and reliable object storage service.
  • Cloudflare: Works with Cloudflare R2, offering high-performance storage capabilities.

Unity Catalog ensures a consistent experience across these platforms, simplifying cloud storage management for organizations.

What is Secoda, and how does it simplify data management?

Secoda is an AI-powered data management platform designed to centralize and streamline data discovery, lineage tracking, governance, and monitoring across an organization's entire data stack. By acting as a "second brain" for data teams, it provides a single source of truth, enabling users to easily find, understand, and trust their data. With features like search, data dictionaries, and lineage visualization, Secoda enhances data collaboration and operational efficiency, making it an essential tool for modern data teams.

Secoda's capabilities make it easier for both technical and non-technical users to access and utilize data effectively, ensuring faster data analysis and improved data quality. By providing complete visibility into how data flows and transforms, it empowers teams to make data-driven decisions with confidence.

How does Secoda improve data collaboration and governance?

Secoda enhances data collaboration and governance by offering tools that allow teams to document, share, and manage data assets efficiently. Its granular access control and data quality checks ensure that data is secure and compliant with organizational standards. This centralized approach simplifies data governance processes, making it easier to manage access and compliance across the board.

Key features of Secoda for collaboration and governance

  • Collaboration tools: Teams can share data insights, document assets, and work together on governance practices seamlessly.
  • Granular access control: Ensures that only authorized users can access specific data, enhancing security and compliance.
  • Data quality monitoring: Identifies potential issues in data, allowing teams to address them proactively and maintain high data standards.

These features not only improve team efficiency but also ensure that data remains accurate, secure, and accessible for all stakeholders.

Ready to take control of your data management?

Secoda offers a comprehensive solution to streamline data discovery, governance, and collaboration, empowering your team to work smarter and faster. With AI-powered insights and intuitive tools, you can trust Secoda to centralize your data processes and provide the clarity you need to make informed decisions.

  • Improved efficiency: Spend less time searching for data and more time analyzing it.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Enable teams to work together seamlessly on data governance and insights.
  • Better compliance: Ensure data security and regulatory adherence with robust governance features.

Don’t wait—get started today and transform the way your team manages data.

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