Catalog & Cocktails: The Honest, No-BS Data Podcast Netflix’s Unified Data Architecture: Model Once, Represent Everywhere with Alex Bertails
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Nov 19, 2025 
In this conversation with Alex Bertails, a software engineer at Netflix, the focus is on the Unified Data Architecture (UDA). Alex dives into how UDA utilizes an RDF-based knowledge graph to unify domain models and data representation, revolutionizing data accessibility. He explains the challenges of existing solutions and introduces innovative concepts like decentralized governance and autonomous domain model authoring. With insights on the future of data modeling, Alex emphasizes that a strong knowledge graph can enhance AI capabilities, making this discussion a must-listen for data enthusiasts.
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Unified RDF Knowledge Graph
- Netflix built UDA as a single RDF-based knowledge graph linking domain models, mappings, and data containers.
- This conceptual layer enables consistent reasoning across GraphQL, SQL, Avro, Java, and more.
Two Practical Applications
- Two flagship applications show UDA's value: Primary Data Management (taxonomy) and Sphere (discovery + auto-query).
- UDA can provision APIs, data mesh sources, and warehouse schemas automatically from domain models.
GraphQL Isn't The Conceptual Layer
- GraphQL is great for API federation but poor as a conceptual modeling language.
- Netflix needed a separate conceptual layer to extract semantics and enable automation across systems.