Why Preset is the Most Open Data Analytics Platform
In a world of closed dashboards, rigid analytics suites, and legacy business intelligence (BI) tools that try to do everything their way, Preset takes a different approach: one built on openness — at every layer of the stack.
We don't bundle a mandatory metrics compiler, or force you into our own data model. Instead, Preset gives you the freedom to connect your own tools, define your own logic, and change your mind later — without breaking your dashboards. Whether you're modeling with dbt, experimenting with Cube, embedding insights into your product, or layering on AI copilots — Preset plugs in. It doesn't box you in.
Open by Design, Not by Accident
Openness at Preset means:
- Open access: Query data directly from your warehouse — no ingestion required.
- Open semantics: Define metrics in Apache Superset™, dbt, Cube, Snowflake, or your own layer — and visualize instantly.
- Open deployment: Run fully managed, hybrid via customer-managed containers, or self-hosted on-prem.
- Open embedding: Bring visualizations into your apps or internal tools — seamlessly.
- Open orchestration: Use the Preset CLI to connect any internal or third-party system to your analytics workflows — from metadata syncing to queries with access control.
- Open intelligence: Power copilots, natural language interfaces, or recommendation systems with AI tools that plug directly into Preset via API, CLI, or the Preset MCP server.
We're not trying to lock you into a metrics layer, identity system, or data pipeline. We build interfaces, not obstacles — so your tools can talk to each other, your logic stays portable, and your teams stay in control. That's the power of openness: you're in control of your architecture, not your analytics tool.
Built to Integrate, Not Isolate
Preset thrives in complex ecosystems. We support and integrate with the modern data stack:
| Layer | Tools | How Preset Integrates |
|---|---|---|
| Data Warehouse | Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift, Postgres, ClickHouse - over 75 different databases | Native SQL connectors, query federation, caching |
| Semantic Layer | dbt, Cube, Snowflake, Databricks (coming soon) | Metric surfacing, lineage tracking, query templating |
| Auth & SSO | Okta, Google Workspace, SAML, OIDC (coming soon) | Enterprise identity and workspace management |
| Security & Compliance | SCIM, RBAC, VPC Peering (for MPC) | Role-based access control, automated user provisioning, secure deployments with private network isolation (MPC) |
| Embedding & Headless | iframe, API, custom frontends | Bring Preset into any app or portal. Run fully headless by using Preset as a query and visualization backend. Build your own frontend with full API access. |
| AI & Copilots | LLM middleware, OpenAI, Claude, Vertex AI | Connect your own LLMs to Preset Cloud, or use your own account with Preset-managed models. Power natural language querying, summarization, and AI copilots. |
Don't replace your stack. Augment it.
The Command Center for Modern Analytics
Preset isn't just another dashboarding tool — it's where your entire data ecosystem comes together, orchestrated through APIs, automation, and intelligence.
In a world of fragmented stacks and specialized tools, Preset acts as the central platform that connects and coordinates it all:
- Metrics where you want them — in dbt, Cube, Snowflake, or directly in your warehouse. Read about our participation in the Open Semantic Interchange (OSI) Initiative
- Security how you define it — row-level filters, IAM roles (with MPC), SCIM-based provisioning, and RBAC
- AI where it adds value — connect your own LLMs to Preset Cloud, or use your credentials with Preset-managed models to power copilots
- Insights wherever they're needed — in the Preset UI, embedded in your product, or surfaced via your own frontend
Preset isn't a piece of the puzzle — it's the place where all the pieces click together.
Built in the Open. Powered by Community.
While Preset is the leading contributor to Apache Superset, our real strength is in bridging the open-source world with real enterprise needs. We publish RFCs, contribute to open standards, and collaborate with partners across the ecosystem — from dbt Labs to Cube to OpenMetadata and more.
Open tools should talk to each other. We make sure they do.
What Does Openness Get You?
- Portability: Your dashboards, metrics, and pipelines don't break if you switch warehouses.
- Transparency: You can audit and understand what's happening at every layer.
- Freedom: You're not beholden to one vendor's roadmap, pricing model, or SDK.
- Innovation: You can bring AI, real-time analytics, or new modeling approaches into your stack.
We give you the tools you need — like a built-in semantic layer for lightweight metrics modeling — but we never force you to use it. You can start simple, then plug in dbt, Cube, Snowflake, or whatever comes next. Change your mind later? No problem. Your dashboards stay. Your users stay. Preset stays.
Preset: Open by Default. Open by Design.
We're not trying to own your stack. We're trying to make your stack more powerful.
If you're building with best-of-breed tools, if you need flexibility across teams, or if you just want an analytics platform that plays nice with others, Preset is for you.
