Neo4j partners with Snowflake to enhance data science in cloud

Neo4j, a specialist in graph databases and analytics, has announced a new partnership with Snowflake to integrate Neo4j's graph data science (GDS) capabilities within the Snowflake Data Cloud. This collaboration was unveiled at Snowflake's annual user conference, Snowflake Data Cloud Summit 2024.

The integration of Neo4j's GDS toolkit with Snowflake's structured data warehouse aims to enhance the standard SQL capabilities within Snowflake by incorporating a comprehensive library of graph algorithms. This library allows users to execute more than 65 graph algorithms without moving data out of their Snowflake environment, thereby maintaining data integrity and streamlining processes.

Neo4j's GDS is an analytics and machine learning (ML) solution that identifies and analyses hidden relationships across billions of data points to unearth advanced insights and improve predictions. This capability is crucial for a variety of applications including AI/ML, predictive analytics, and Generative AI (GenAI). The graph algorithms available encompass a broad range of functionalities such as anomaly detection, fraud detection, supply chain optimisation, data unification, customer service improvement, and recommendation engines, among others.

This new solution simplifies the process for users by enabling them to leverage graph capabilities using SQL, a programming language they are already familiar with. The partnership aims to accelerate the development cycle, deliver faster time-to-value, and improve the accuracy of business insights for better decision-making.

Neo4j's customers include notable names such as Boston Scientific, Novo Nordisk, OrbITMI, and Zenapse. According to a Gartner report, by 2025, graph technologies will be employed in 80% of data and analytics innovations, a significant increase from 10% in 2021. Gartner also highlights the importance of integrating large language models (LLMs) with knowledge graphs for robust AI applications.

The collaboration brings several benefits for enterprises. Joint customers can efficiently harness and scale their secure and governed data within Snowflake while augmenting it with Neo4j's graph analytics. This enhances decision-making and optimises resource usage. The analysis results can seamlessly integrate with other Snowflake data tables, enabling a cohesive data environment.

An important feature of this integration is the zero ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) aspect, which allows users to run graph algorithms directly within their Snowflake environment. This eliminates the need for data procurement, security sign-offs, and the complexities of transferring data to another service provider, thus simplifying security and data workflows.

Neo4j's graph algorithms and ML tools are embedded as SQL functions within Snowflake, enabling users to enhance their ML pipelines with advanced analytics features. The native Snowflake service is also fully serverless and flexible, allowing users to create temporary graph data science environments and pay only for the Snowflake resources they consume during algorithm runtimes.

Greg Steck, Vice President of Consumer Analytics at Texas Capital Bank, commented on the partnership, stating, "The ability to use Neo4j graph data science capabilities within Snowflake will accelerate our data applications and further enhance our ability to bring our customers long-term success."

Jeff Hollan, Head of Applications and Developer Platform at Snowflake, added, "Integrating Neo4j's proven graph data science capabilities with the Snowflake AI Data Cloud marks a monumental opportunity for our joint customers to optimise their operations."

Sudhir Hasbe, Chief Product Officer of Neo4j, remarked, "Our native Snowflake integration empowers users to effortlessly harness the full potential of AI/ML, predictive analytics, and Generative AI for unparalleled insights and decision-making agility."

The new capabilities are currently available for preview and early access, with general availability expected later this year on the Snowflake Marketplace.