Sequor Launches SQL-Centric Platform for Reliable API Integrations Without SaaS Lock-In

Sequor is a groundbreaking SQL-centric platform developed by Palo Alto Databases, aimed at simplifying and enhancing the process of building API integrations in modern data stacks. Unlike traditional black-box SaaS connectors, Sequor gives data teams complete control and transparency over their integration pipelines, allowing them to leverage the full power of SQL for transformations, analytics, and business logic. This approach fuses API execution with the database, creating a unified execution model that eliminates the conventional boundaries between iPaaS-style app integration and ETL-style data pipelines. The result is a more flexible, scalable, and maintainable integration system. How Sequor Works Sequor operates using an intuitive YAML-based workflow definition, making it accessible and manageable for data engineers and developers. Each integration flow is constructed using a series of powerful operations, which enable users to handle various tasks such as data acquisition, reverse ETL, and complex data handling. These operations can be chained together to create sophisticated workflows that meet specific business needs. Example 1: Data Acquisition To illustrate, consider a scenario where BigCommerce customers need to be loaded into a database. The YAML configuration would specify the API endpoint, HTTP method, and necessary headers, then map the response data to a database table. This streamlined process ensures that customer data is accurately and efficiently transferred and stored. Example 2: Reverse ETL Another common use case is creating BigCommerce customers from a database table. This involves sending a POST request to the BigCommerce API with data extracted from the database. Sequor allows users to define dynamic parameters using Python or Jinja, ensuring that the integration can adapt to changing data inputs. The response handler can then parse the API response, add the source ID, and store the newly created customer data back into the database. Example 3: Complex Data Handling Sequor excels at managing complex, nested data structures, such as those found in Shopify. For example, to map nested Shopify customer data into referenced tables, Sequor’s workflow would first make a GET request to the Shopify API. The response handler would then flatten the customer objects and extract nested lists of addresses, adding the customer ID to each address for reference. Finally, the data would be stored in the appropriate PostgreSQL tables, maintaining referential integrity and ensuring that the data is organized and usable. Additional Features Sequor also supports running SQL queries to prepare API inputs, transform API responses, and build analytics tables. This enables users to perform complex data manipulations and analytics directly within the platform, leveraging SQL's capabilities for efficient and powerful data processing. Additionally, procedural statements can be used to orchestrate complex workflows, providing a robust solution for integrating multiple APIs and databases. Getting Started with Sequor To begin using Sequor, developers and data teams can explore the community resources and documentation provided by Palo Alto Databases. The platform’s code-first approach using YAML for flows, Python or Jinja for dynamic parameters, and SQL for logic aligns well with software engineering best practices. This includes support for version control, collaboration, CI/CD, and local development, ensuring that integrations can be managed in the same way as any other software project. Evaluation by Industry Insiders Industry experts have praised Sequor for its innovative approach to API integration, noting its significant advantages over traditional black-box solutions. By empowering data teams to own and control their integrations, Sequor reduces vendor lock-in and enhances flexibility. The platform’s ability to handle complex data structures and its seamless integration with existing database systems make it a compelling choice for organizations looking to modernize their data pipelines. Company Profile Palo Alto Databases, the creators of Sequor, are a cutting-edge technology firm focused on advancing data integration and management solutions. Their commitment to open technologies and best practices has positioned them as leaders in the field. With a strong emphasis on user control and transparency, Palo Alto Databases continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in modern data stacks, making tools like Sequor essential for data-driven organizations.