From executive copilots to team-level assistants, AI agents are reshaping how work gets done. But for these tools to be useful in real business contexts, they need access to relevant, trusted enterprise data.
That’s where most organizations hit a wall. AI tools—whether built in-house or offered by vendors—are only as smart as the data they can access. And connecting these tools to enterprise systems like ERP, CRM, and financial platforms raises immediate concerns around governance, compliance, and control.
Searches like “how to connect data to AI agents” are spiking as IT teams and innovators alike realize that the hard part of AI isn’t the model—it’s the data.
The real risk of uncontrolled AI-data access
When AI initiatives start without clear guidance, it’s easy to fall into shadow IT patterns. Business users may attempt to connect tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Claude for Work directly to internal systems using plugins, APIs, or file uploads.
While well-intentioned, these efforts often create uncontrolled data flows, introduce compliance risks, and offer little visibility to IT. Sensitive information may be exposed to models or users without proper guardrails, and there’s no easy way to track who’s using what data—or how.
Enterprise adoption of AI doesn’t just require smarter tools—it demands smarter infrastructure.
Introducing CData Connect AI: A secure layer between AI and data
CData Connect AI is purpose-built to bridge this gap. It provides a centralized, cloud-based platform that connects large language models and AI agents to enterprise systems through a secure, governed interface.
Rather than point-to-point integrations or bespoke scripts, Connect AI establishes a policy-driven access layer. IT can define exactly which AI agents or users can access which datasets, monitor every interaction, and ensure that all AI-driven responses are grounded in approved, trusted data.
With out-of-the-box support for hundreds of systems—from CRM and ERP to HR and financial platforms—Connect AI dramatically simplifies the data access challenge.
Built for enterprise governance and AI usability
What sets Connect AI apart is its enterprise readiness. The platform includes robust access controls, detailed monitoring, and compliance features designed to meet the needs of large organizations. IT retains full oversight while enabling innovation across business teams.
At the same time, the platform is built for ease of use. Business users and developers can quickly connect AI tools like Copilot or ChatGPT Enterprise to governed data sources without waiting for custom pipelines or integration support. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) makes it easy to deliver real-time, structured data into LLM contexts, ensuring accuracy and relevance in every interaction.
AI enablement without compromise
CData Connect AI doesn’t replace your existing data architecture. It complements analytics pipelines and warehousing strategies by serving real-time, contextual data directly to AI agents. It’s ideal for interactive use cases, where batch ETL or traditional BI can’t deliver the immediacy or control required.
With Connect AI, organizations can stop choosing between speed and safety. AI users get the data they need, and IT gets the governance they require.
Try CData Connect AI
Whether you’re piloting copilots, launching internal agents, or building domain-specific assistants, CData Connect AI offers the fastest, most secure path to enterprise-ready AI. Give your teams real-time access to trusted data—without the governance headaches.
Explore what CData Connect AI can do for your organization today.
Explore CData Connect AI today
See how Connect AI excels at streamlining business processes for real-time insights.
