From Metadata Directory to Trust Infrastructure: How the Russian Data Catalog Market Has Evolved

Over the past three years, the Russian Data Catalog market has undergone a significant transformation. While these solutions were previously viewed primarily as metadata directories with basic functionality, they are now evolving into a comprehensive data trust infrastructure. According to the 'Data Catalog Gromov Circle 2026' report, the methodology for evaluating these products has become significantly more complex, with the number of analysis criteria increasing from 20 to 325. Modern data catalogs now provide context not only for analysts but also for business processes and AI agents. The authors emphasize that the market is no longer static, and requirements for functionality, automation, and data integration have increased significantly. This shift reflects a broader trend toward improving data governance quality amidst the growing complexity of corporate IT landscapes and the active adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.