---
title: "Let AI query your data. Not your database. | DreamFactory"
description: "Instantly generate governed REST APIs from any database. Built-in RBAC, API keys, and live OpenAPI docs. On-premises, air-gapped, or cloud."
url: "https://www.dreamfactory.com/"
---

Enterprise AI Data Gateway

# Let AI query your data.  
Not your database.

Self-hosted platform providing governed API access to any data source for enterprise apps and local LLMs.

Free 30 minute demoSelf-hosted

4.7

★★★★★

G2 Reviews

* ![a badge that says easier to use spring 2021](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbb54_easiest%20to%20use.png)
* ![G2 badge: Fastest Implementation — API Management](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/6735fb0a2c2182b6f7f4d026_APIManagement_FastestImplementation_GoLiveTime.svg)
* ![G2 badge: Best Estimated ROI — API Management](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/6735fb28032869964f44f5a7_APIManagement_BestEstimatedROI_Roi.svg)
* ![G2 badge: High Performer — API Management](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/6735fb4113e66c9ca4551d3f_APIManagement_Highperformance.svg)
* ![a white badge with the words users love us](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbb53_users-love-us.png)

## Chosen by teams in finance, manufacturing, public sector, and healthcare.

[![ExxonMobil company logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/69610a8934bad6d8b1cd1b2f_exxon-mobil.svg)](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/energy-snowflake-modernization)![Saint-Gobain company logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/673371807abf66b4aef15d1b_saint-gobain.svg)[![Deloitte company logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/69610856285128e6df89f9bd_deloitte.svg)](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/professional-services-erp-dashboards)[![National Institutes of Health (NIH) logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/69610acf45fec5f1b4cf1620_nih.svg)](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-sql-server-bi-analyst-queries)![Palo Alto Networks company logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/6961077c015cd6d085102a14_palo-alto.svg)![AkerBP company logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/682e11c3117d29af0c1663a3_Aker%20BP.avif)![Toyota company logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/682e1925bf969a010833b7e5_Toyota%20Company%20Logo.avif)![The Nature Conservancy logo — DreamFactory customer](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/6961079c699f8f5456a3a30c_thenatureconservancy.svg)![U.S. House of Representatives seal — DreamFactory customer](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/696107b591ca26f2903573b7_house-of-representatives.avif)[![Vermont Department of Transportation logo](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbae0/696107ce9bdbfc83f546de0d_vermont.svg)](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-mainframe-oracle-modernization)

What is DreamFactory?

## The governed AI data gateway for enterprise data

DreamFactory is a secure, self-hosted [AI data gateway](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/overview) and enterprise data access platform that provides governed API access to any data source, connecting enterprise applications and on-prem or local LLMs with role-based access and identity passthrough.

DreamFactory standardizes how AI and applications access your data while your credentials never leave DreamFactory.

* [AI-ready governed data layerSecure REST API and MCP access to enterprise data in any data source](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Standardized data API layerConsistent REST APIs over databases, file stores, SaaS, and legacy systems](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Same security controls you already trustMaps to your existing security infrastructure](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Secure self-hosted controlOn-prem, private cloud, edge, and hybrid deployment options](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/on-premise-deployment-and-integration)
* [Developer accelerationAutomatic API creation and testing so your team ships more, faster](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated)

Why DreamFactory

## Safer, Faster AI projects

DreamFactory lets you ship AI projects faster while keeping governed, token‑controlled access to enterprise data via MCP and REST.

Without a dedicated AI data gateway, teams either give LLMs risky direct SQL access or spend months wiring brittle, custom connectors that bypass existing RBAC and audit trails.

DreamFactory closes the [AI data access](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/ai-data-access) gap by forcing all AI workloads through a governed data API platform that reuses your current identity and security controls.

* [Governed AI data layerCentral point where AI agents and LLMs access data via REST, not raw database connections](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Identity and RBAC preservedExisting IAM, roles, and entitlements are enforced instead of sidestepped by prototypes](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [MCP-compatible accessMCP tools backed by DreamFactory APIs so agents can read and write safely under policy](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/enterprise-ai-architectures)
* [Faster AI pilotsReuse the same standardized data APIs across multiple AI experiments and use cases](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated)

Application Modernization

## Confident modernization of legacy applications and data sources

DreamFactory lets you [modernize experiences](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/legacy-modernization) and analytics by wrapping legacy databases, files, SOAP services, and IoT protocols with consistent, secure APIs.

Today, modernization projects stall because DB2, mainframe‑adjacent systems, SOAP, and file‑based interfaces are hard to expose safely to modern apps and AI.

DreamFactory creates standardized REST APIs over legacy systems, removing dependency on scarce legacy skillsets and reducing risk to core systems.

* [Legacy system unlockTurn legacy and niche systems into first‑class, governed REST endpoints](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Non-disruptive changeModernize UIs and AI layers without destabilizing back‑end platforms](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/legacy-modernization)
* [Consistent contractsGive new services, apps, and AI agents the same API patterns regardless of source](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Reduced integration riskEliminate fragile point‑to‑point connectors to aging systems](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)

Engineering velocity

## Higher developer throughput

DreamFactory increases [developer productivity](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated) by offloading data access, auth, and traffic management to a dedicated, self‑hosted AI data gateway with API gateway capabilities.

Without this layer, teams burn cycles hand‑coding the same access patterns, auth flows, and governance logic for every new application or AI initiative.

Centralization lets your existing team deliver more projects without growing headcount.

10x

Faster API delivery vs. hand-coded integrations

0

Lines of boilerplate to wire auth, RBAC, and validation

30+

Databases and data sources supported out of the box

1

Governed surface for AI agents and applications

* [Zero-code API generationAuto-generate CRUD and custom endpoints from schemas and services](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Built-in security patternsStandard auth, RBAC, and validation baked into every API](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Reusable servicesOne set of data APIs reused across multiple applications and AI workloads](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Less boilerplateDevelopers focus on business logic and UX instead of plumbing](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated)

Data Governance

## Stronger federated governance posture

DreamFactory strengthens your [data governance](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/data-governance) posture by centralizing access control, auditing, and threat protection at the data API edge.

Today, security logic is scattered across apps, scripts, and ad‑hoc gateways, making it hard for CISOs and compliance teams to see who accessed what and whether policies were applied.

DreamFactory becomes the governed front door to your data, even when AI agents are in the loop.

* [Centralized policy enforcementOne place to define and enforce access rules for data APIs](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Fine-grained controlsRole, attribute, field, and low-level protections for sensitive data](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Unified audit trailEnd-to-end visibility into calls from both applications and AI workloads](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality)
* [Threat protectionControls for SQL injection, request validation, and web applied before traffic hits databases](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)

Production-grade

## Stable production behavior

DreamFactory delivers stable production behavior using [API gateway functionality](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality)—routing, limits, caching, and observability.

AI workloads and new applications can create unpredictable traffic patterns that stress back‑end systems when they call databases and services directly.

With DreamFactory in front of your data sources, you can shape, monitor, and protect traffic without changing each application.

* [Traffic shaping & limitsRate limiting, throttling, and quotas to protect back-ends from spikes](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality)
* [Smart routingReverse proxying, health checks, and failover for resilient data access](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Transformations at the edgeRequest/response transformations and validation without touching back-end code](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Production observabilityCentral analytics on usage, latency, and errors across all data APIs](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality)

One data layer

## Unified AI and App Access

DreamFactory unifies AI and application access by exposing one set of governed REST endpoints that both can call.

Without this, organizations often stand up separate stacks for AI and apps, doubling integration and governance work while increasing inconsistency.

AI agents and traditional applications share the same secure, documented data surface.

* [One data layerSingle, governed API layer serving UIs, services, and AI workloads](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Consistent behaviorSame rules, audit, and performance characteristics across all consumers](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Easier change managementUpdate data contracts once and roll out safely to every client](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [Lower total costAvoid owning parallel integration stacks for AI and non-AI use cases](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated)

What you get

## What do you get with the DreamFactory AI data gateway?

DreamFactory is your [AI data gateway](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/overview). A self‑hosted, governed data API layer that sits between AI workloads, applications, and your enterprise data.

It combines data governance, a standardized API layer, gateway‑grade functionality, flexible deployment, and developer productivity into a single platform.

* [AI Data GovernanceEnterprise-grade governance, compliance, and security at the data API edge](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-data-governance)
* [Standard API LayerFor all your data, across databases, file stores, and legacy systems](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/standard-api-layer)
* [API Gateway FunctionalityStable and reliable capabilities for routing, traffic management, and observability](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/api-gateway-functionality)
* [Flexible On Prem Deployment & IntegrationWorks stand-alone or with your current infrastructure](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/on-premise-deployment-and-integration)
* [Faster AI DevelopmentDo more with the AI development team you have by auto-generating secure, production-ready data APIs](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/ai-development-accelerated)
* [Support for Multiple AI ArchitecturesAI agents that query and update systems via MCP, "chat with your data" agents, local AI models, and more](https://www.dreamfactory.com/ai-data-gateway/enterprise-ai-architectures)

Industries

## Which industries is DreamFactory best for?

While DreamFactory is perfect for many industries, regulated industries such as Healthcare, Financial Services, Government, and Manufacturing find particular value.

* [HealthcareSecurely connect EHR, ERP, and clinical systems with governed APIs that protect PHI and support AI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/resources/whitepapers/healthcare-use-cases)
* [Financial ServicesModernize banking and investment platforms with secure, compliant APIs for real‑time financial data access](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/financial-services)
* [GovernmentExpose public and internal data through secure, self‑hosted APIs that modernize services and protect sensitive information](https://www.dreamfactory.com/resources/whitepapers/government-use-cases)
* [ManufacturingModernize factory systems with governed APIs for ERP, MES, and IIoT data powering analytics and AI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/manufacturing)

Use cases

## What are common use cases for DreamFactory?

There are many valuable use cases for Dreamfactory, here are a few where customers start..

* [AI Data AccessLet AI query your data through governed REST APIs instead of talking directly to databases](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/ai-data-access)
* [MCP ServerExpose DreamFactory APIs as MCP tools so AI agents can safely query and update enterprise systems](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/mcp-server)
* [Legacy ModernizationWrap legacy databases, SOAP, files, and IoT protocols with modern, secure REST APIs](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/legacy-modernization)
* [Data GovernanceCentralize access control, logging, and threat protection at the data API edge for apps and AI](https://www.dreamfactory.com/use-cases/data-governance)

Case studies

## Serving the world's largest banks and tech companies

[![Vermont Department of Transportation case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/assets/case-heroes/government-mainframe-oracle-modernization.avif)GovernmentVermont DOT Bridges a 1970s Mainframe to Modern Oracle Database Across 7+ Year Modernization ProgramThe Vermont Department of Transportation needed an integration layer connecting a 1970s IBM S370 mainframe to modern Oracle databases as part of a multiyear modernization program.VTVermont Department of TransportationRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-mainframe-oracle-modernization)

[![U.S. Steel case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/assets/case-heroes/steel-manufacturing-sap-erp-modernization.avif)ManufacturingU.S. Steel Integrates SAP ERP with Modern Applications Through Governed API PlatformU.S. Steel needed to integrate their SAP ERP system with modern applications and reporting tools, providing governed API access to manufacturing and operational data.USU.S. Steel (Big River Steel)Read Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/steel-manufacturing-sap-erp-modernization)

[![SIL International case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/assets/case-heroes/non-profit-sql-server-partner-data-sharing.avif)NonprofitSIL International Empowers Literacy and Translation Partnerships Through Rapid API DeploymentSIL International is a global faith-based nonprofit whose mission revolves around empowering literacy and Bible translation efforts worldwide through partner data sharing.SISIL InternationalRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/non-profit-sql-server-partner-data-sharing)

[![D.A. Davidson — DreamFactory case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/assets/case-heroes/financial-services-sql-server-investor-portal.avif)FinanceD.A. Davidson Builds an Enterprise Data-as-a-Service Platform with 16+ Developers and 5-Year CommitmentD.A. Davidson is a financial services firm that required a sophisticated data platform to serve their internal development teams and deliver data-as-a-service capabilities.DAD.A. DavidsonRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/financial-services-sql-server-investor-portal)

[GovernmentFederal Consulting Firm Orchestrates On-Premises AI Employee Appraisals Through Governed API LayerA federal consulting firm needed to automate AI-powered summaries of employee performance data stored in SQL Server — while keeping sensitive HR data on-premises and every access auditable.FCFederal Consulting FirmRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/government-consulting-sql-server-governed-ai-data-access)

[![Healthcare services provider case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/cdn.prod.website-files.com/64ed8da8a866be7a702fbafb/69ef80c53928f625b4611993_card-federal-services.avif)HealthcareHealthcare Services Provider — Conversational Data Access with ChatGPTLive in days, not months: MCP + ChatGPT + Google OAuth deliver secure, role-based conversational data access to an entire healthcare org.HSHealthcare Services ProviderRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/healthcare-multi-db-mcp-governed-chatgpt-data-access)

[![Deloitte case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/assets/case-heroes/professional-services-erp-dashboards.avif)TechnologyDeloitte Maintains a 10-Year API Platform Across 4 Continents and 6 Infrastructure EvolutionsDeloitte is a leading global professional services firm whose GPS division required sophisticated solutions to access and utilize data from their ERP Oracle database for executive dashboards.DDeloitteRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/professional-services-erp-dashboards)

[![K-8 education organization case study](https://www.dreamfactory.com/assets/case-heroes/education-student-hr-sql-server-mysql-external-data-sharing.avif)EducationChallenger School Manages 10,000 Student Records Across 25 Campuses with 7+ Year API PlatformChallenger School is a private K-8 educational organization with 25 campuses across five states and approximately 10,000 students, pioneering innovative approaches to reading development.CSChallenger SchoolRead Case Study →](https://www.dreamfactory.com/case-studies/education-student-hr-sql-server-mysql-external-data-sharing)

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