Snowflake strikes a deal to acquire Datometry and fold its Hyper‑Q virtualization into SnowConvert AI, promising up to 4× faster, lower‑cost data‑warehouse migrations.
Snowflake has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Datometry, the San Francisco–based database‑migration specialist behind the Hyper‑Q virtualization platform. Terms were not disclosed. Snowflake says it plans to integrate Datometry’s technology into SnowConvert AI, its free, AI‑assisted migration suite. InfoWorld
Why this deal matters
At stake is one of the thorniest problems in enterprise data: moving mission‑critical analytics from legacy systems (think Teradata or Oracle) to modern cloud platforms without multi‑year rewrites or risky cutovers. Datometry’s Hyper‑Q virtualizes legacy SQL, translating queries, scripts, and workloads in real time so applications can run on new backends with minimal or no code changes. Snowflake expects that marrying Hyper‑Q with SnowConvert AI will shrink migration timelines and reduce project risk. InfoWorld
The headline claims
- Speed & cost: According to coverage of Snowflake’s announcement, Hyper‑Q can speed Teradata migrations by a factor of four while cutting costs by up to 90%—figures Snowflake attributes to internal benchmarks. SiliconANGLE
- Scope: Beyond SQL translation, Hyper‑Q tackles dynamic, application‑generated SQL that often trips up static code converters—precisely the gap Snowflake wants to close. InfoWorld
- Fit with SnowConvert AI: SnowConvert AI already automates code conversion, verification, and validation and is powered by Snowflake’s Cortex AI Agents; Hyper‑Q is expected to complement those capabilities with on‑the‑fly translation. InfoWorld
What each side brings
Datometry
The startup has focused on “database system virtualization” since its inception, enabling enterprises to run existing apps directly on next‑gen databases without rewriting SQL or APIs. Its Nov. 10 post, Datometry Joins Snowflake, frames the acquisition as a push to reduce migration risk and time‑to‑value for customers racing to adopt AI‑ready data platforms. Datometry
Snowflake
Over the past year, Snowflake has assembled a migration toolbox that includes SnowConvert AI (for code conversion/validation) and the Snowpark Migration Accelerator (for Spark workloads). The company is positioning Datometry’s runtime translation as a logical layer above static conversion—closer to the application, and more resilient when SQL is generated on the fly. InfoWorld
How Hyper‑Q could change migrations
Traditional migrations rely heavily on ETL re‑engineering and manual test cycles. Because Hyper‑Q emulates legacy SQL and translates in real time, applications can often run with minimal changes, reducing the duration and disruption of cutover windows. Analysts cited in reporting say this runtime approach pairs naturally with SnowConvert AI’s static conversion to cover edge cases that converters miss (for example, dynamic SQL embedded in applications). InfoWorld
Competitive context
InfoWorld notes that the move could differentiate Snowflake from cloud data rivals like AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery, and Azure Synapse, which lean more on traditional batch migration strategies. Snowflake’s closest rival Databricks expanded its conversion capabilities via the BladeBridge acquisition earlier this year; however, analysts point out that a virtualization runtime like Hyper‑Q is a different—and complementary—approach. InfoWorld
Who’s joining Snowflake
Reporting indicates that Datometry founder and CEO Mike Waas will join Snowflake, along with CTO Michael Duller and VP of Customer Success Rima Mutreja—a signal that Snowflake wants both the tech and the team behind it. Techzine Global
The money and backers
Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but prior coverage pegs Datometry’s total funding at $28 million, with investors including Dell Technologies Capital and Celesta Capital. Dell Technologies Capital congratulated the team, calling the deal validation of the technology’s ability to “streamline customer migrations” and accelerate the shift to the AI Data Cloud. SiliconANGLE
Key facts at a glance
- Deal: Snowflake to acquire Datometry; terms undisclosed (announced Nov. 10). SiliconANGLE
- Product integration: Datometry Hyper‑Q to be folded into SnowConvert AI. InfoWorld
- Claims: Up to 4× faster migrations and 90% cost reductions vs. traditional Teradata migration paths (per Snowflake’s announcement and coverage). SiliconANGLE
- Team moves: Founder Mike Waas and senior leaders to join Snowflake. Techzine Global
What it means for customers (Teradata & Oracle shops, listen up)
- Shorter runway to the cloud: If your analytics backlog is blocked by migration risk, a runtime translation layer can drastically lower the upfront rewrite burden and let you realize Snowflake benefits sooner. SiliconANGLE
- Dual‑track modernization: Use SnowConvert AI for items that convert cleanly and Hyper‑Q to virtualize the long tail (dynamic SQL, embedded queries), then gradually refactor where it makes business sense. InfoWorld
- Lower disruption: Real‑time translation means fewer moving parts during cutover and potentially less impact on downstream BI tools and users. Datometry
Industry reaction & today’s (Nov 12) status
As of November 12, 2025, coverage continues to emphasize the strategic rationale—faster, lower‑risk migrations and a stronger on‑ramp to Snowflake’s AI Data Cloud. Articles from InfoWorld (Nov 11) and Techzine (Nov 11) underscore Snowflake’s plan to integrate Hyper‑Q into SnowConvert AI and reiterate the 4×/90% migration claims; SiliconANGLE (Nov 10) adds funding background and product detail (Hyper‑Q vs. OpenDB). No purchase price has been made public. InfoWorld
FAQ
Is this a done deal?
Snowflake says it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Datometry. The company has not disclosed terms. InfoWorld
How is this different from Snowflake’s existing tools?
SnowConvert AI focuses on AI‑assisted static conversion and validation of code. Hyper‑Q adds runtime translation for dynamic SQL that static converters often miss—together they cover more migration patterns. InfoWorld
What about Datometry’s OpenDB database?
Coverage indicates Snowflake is primarily interested in Hyper‑Q; OpenDB (a PostgreSQL‑based alternative to Oracle) was not the focus of Snowflake’s announcement. SiliconANGLE
Will I still need to rewrite some code?
Many workloads should run with minimal change via virtualization, but organizations typically combine runtime translation with selective refactoring over time for long‑term optimization. Datometry
Sources & further reading
- InfoWorld: “Snowflake to acquire Datometry to bolster its automated migration tools” (Nov 11, 2025). Details on the integration with SnowConvert AI, analyst perspectives, and competitive context. InfoWorld
- SiliconANGLE: “Snowflake acquires database migration startup Datometry” (Nov 10, 2025). Funding history, product distinctions (Hyper‑Q vs. OpenDB), and Snowflake’s 4×/90% migration claims. SiliconANGLE
- Datometry Blog: “Datometry Joins Snowflake” (Nov 10, 2025). Company perspective on virtualization and migration value. Datometry
- Techzine Global: “Snowflake accelerates migrations with acquisition of Datometry” (Nov 11, 2025). Notes on leadership joining Snowflake and migration impact. Techzine Global
- Dell Technologies Capital: Portfolio note on the acquisition and its strategic implications. Dell Technologies Capital
