DreamFactory

DreamFactory is a self-hosted data access platform that automatically generates governed REST APIs from various data sources. It acts as a secure gateway between databases and external applications, providing a layer for role-based access and identity passthrough. The software is deployed as a server on Linux, Windows, Docker, or Kubernetes, allowing it to reside within a private network infrastructure.

Users can connect the platform to SQL and NoSQL databases to create CRUD endpoints without writing backend code. It is used for API-first development, modernizing legacy databases, and providing secure data access for mobile and web applications. The platform also serves as a bridge for connecting large language models to enterprise data via the Model Context Protocol, ensuring that AI queries remain deterministic and governed.

Key features

• Automatic REST API generation for SQL and NoSQL databases
• Built-in MCP server for connecting AI models to databases
• Role-based access control with granular permissions per endpoint
• Automatic OpenAPI and Swagger documentation for all endpoints
• Support for stored procedures and database functions as API endpoints
• SSO authentication via SAML 2.0, OAuth 2.0, and OpenID Connect
• Server-side scripting using PHP, Python, or Node.js
• Audit logging to track API calls, timestamps, and payloads

Built on the Laravel framework, DreamFactory supports a wide range of connectors including MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and Oracle, as well as file storage services like AWS S3 and Azure Blob Storage. It is designed for developers and enterprise architects who need to expose data via APIs while maintaining strict security and governance. The platform includes a web-based admin console for managing users, API keys, and multi-tenant environments. It further allows for the creation of custom services and the use of webhooks to trigger external workflows when data changes occur.

DreamFactory positions itself as a governed AI data access layer and API management tool for enterprise environments.