Microsoft Purview Alternatives and SkyTerra’s Recommendation

Data governance is a critical piece of any organization’s security and compliance strategy. Without the right tools, businesses risk data sprawl, compliance violations, and security gaps that could lead to costly consequences. Many organizations exploring governance solutions often ask: Are there Microsoft Purview alternatives? How do they compare? In this guide on Microsoft Purview Alternatives and SkyTerra’s Recommendation, we’ll explore your options and help you find the right fit for your needs.

At SkyTerra, we understand the importance of implementing the right tools to reduce risk and maintain compliance. Choosing the right data governance solution is critical to protecting sensitive information and ensuring regulatory requirements are met. In this article, we explore why Microsoft Purview stands out as the leading data governance solution and how it compares to other options businesses may consider.

Common Microsoft Purview Alternatives and Key Considerations

Collibra

Collibra is a well-known enterprise data governance solution that helps businesses manage data assets, automate workflows and enforce compliance. It offers metadata management, data cataloging and privacy regulation tools, making it an attractive option for organizations with complex governance needs.

Key consideration: Collibra often requires heavy customization and third-party integrations to function alongside Microsoft 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop (AVP), which could add to deployment complexity.

Alation

Alation focuses on data intelligence and discovery, providing businesses with an AI-powered data catalog to improve searchability and collaboration. It’s useful for organizations looking to streamline data access across departments.

Key consideration: Alation lacks the comprehensive compliance controls that many businesses need. It also doesn’t integrate as seamlessly with Microsoft cloud environments, requiring additional configuration for those already using Microsoft 365.

Informatica Axon

Informatica Axon is another enterprise data governance tool designed for large-scale organizations managing complex regulatory requirements. It offers features for data stewardship, privacy enforcement and compliance automation. Businesses often choose Axon for its structured governance approach and robust compliance capabilities.

Key consideration: While it excels in structured governance, Axon’s interface and learning curve can be overwhelming for mid-sized businesses that don’t require enterprise-level complexity. Additionally, licensing and implementation costs can be higher than other solutions.

Talend Data Governance

Talend is primarily a data integration and quality management tool but offers governance features such as data lineage tracking and compliance enforcement. It’s often used by businesses focusing on data cleansing and transformation.

Key consideration: Talend lacks Purview’s built-in AI capabilities for automated classification and compliance insights, making it less effective for organizations looking for an all-in-one governance solution.

What Are the Risks of Poor Data Governance?

Without a strong data governance strategy, organizations could face damaging consequences that cause major security, compliance and operational challenges. Data is one of a business’s most valuable assets, but without proper management, it can quickly become a liability. 

Here are some key risks of poor data governance:

• Security vulnerabilities: Unprotected and unclassified data creates openings for cyber threats, increasing the risk of breaches, leaks and insider threats.
  
• Regulatory fines and legal consequences: Non-compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA and CMMC can lead to hefty penalties and damage an organization’s reputation.
  
• Inefficiency and inaccurate decision-making: Unstructured, duplicate or siloed data leads to confusion, wasted resources and errors in business operations.
  
• Loss of trust: Mishandling sensitive data can erode customer confidence and weaken stakeholder partnerships.

To avoid the challenges many businesses face in maintaining control of their data, it’s important to implement data governance solutions that reduce risk and strengthen security. That’s why Microsoft Purview is recommended as a strong contender.

What to Look for in a Data Governance Solution

Not all data governance tools are created equal. To effectively manage risk, enforce compliance and improve data security, organizations need a solution that aligns with their business operations and IT infrastructure. 

When evaluating data governance solutions, consider these essential features:

• Seamless integration: The best tools work effortlessly with existing cloud and on-premises environments, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.
  
• Automated compliance tools: Look for built-in policy enforcement that reduces manual effort and ensures regulatory compliance without constant oversight.
  
• Advanced security features: Encryption, access controls and activity monitoring are key for protecting sensitive data from internal and external threats.
  
• Scalability: A good data governance solution should evolve with your business, adapting to new compliance requirements and growing data volumes.
  
• User-friendly management: Data governance shouldn’t be a bottleneck. Intuitive dashboards and reporting features make it easier for teams to access and manage critical data.

Why SkyTerra Recommends Microsoft Purview

Your business needs a solution that guarantees visibility, security and compliance without unnecessary complexity. With so many data governance tools on the market, it can be difficult to determine which one offers the best long-term value.

At SkyTerra, we help organizations seamlessly manage data, enforce compliance and enhance security. That’s why we use Microsoft Purview, the top recommended governance tool on the market.

Here’s what makes Microsoft Purview stand out:

✅ Unified data governance: Purview delivers end-to-end visibility across cloud, on-premises and hybrid environments, helping businesses maintain control over sensitive data.

✅ Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and Azure: Unlike third-party alternatives, Purview is built into the Microsoft ecosystem, eliminating the need for complex workarounds.

✅ Automated compliance and risk management: AI-driven insights identify risks and enforce compliance policies proactively, reducing manual oversight.

✅ Scalability for growing businesses: Whether a company is small or enterprise-level, Purview adapts to evolving data needs, making it a future-proof choice.

Need help selecting the right data governance solution for your business? At SkyTerra, we combine our data governance approach with Microsoft Purview to protect your business while enhancing the value of your data. If you’re ready to streamline operations and improve efficiency, contact us today and speak with one of our experts.