Monospace from Directus
Claim this toolUnify all your data sources into one governed API for apps and AI
Free plan available, paid tiers aboveVisit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- Free plan available, paid tiers above. Compare plans
Key facts
- Monospace creates a single, governed API layer that connects to databases, REST APIs, and SaaS systems without data migration or duplication.
- It provides row-and field-level security, identity-based access control, and full audit trails for every caller including users, agents, and applications.
- Built by the team behind Directus with features like MCP for AI agents, a Data Studio, and federation engine for live querying.
Pros
- No data migration or duplication required, data stays in existing systems
- Granular security down to row and field level with full audit trails
- Supports AI agents, applications, and human users under one governance model
Cons
- Narrowing to cloud-based governance may not suit all on-premise requirements
- Pricing for custom connectors and enterprise features requires a demo
What is Monospace from Directus?
Monospace is a governed API layer that sits between your data and everyone who builds on it. It unifies data sources, databases, REST APIs, and SaaS systems, into a single API layer for building applications, internal tools, and agentic workflows without migrating or duplicating data. Monospace introspects schema in real-time, providing live read-write access under a unified permissions model.
It is built for development teams that need to give AI agents, applications, and business users secure, governed access to live enterprise data. Monospace enforces row and field-level permissions, provides comprehensive audit logging, and supports identity-based access control for every caller including users, services, and agents. It integrates via REST API, a typed SDK, and MCP (Monospace Control Protocol) for AI agent connectivity.
Key Features
- Unified API layer connecting databases, REST APIs, and SaaS sources
- Live schema introspection without data migration or duplication
- Row and column-level security controls
- Audit logs tracking all user and system actions
- MCP (Monospace Control Protocol) and integrated AI agent support
- Typed SDK and REST API access
- Data Studio for live querying
- Workspace isolation for projects
Pricing
Freemium
Monospace from Directus offers a generous free tier with optional paid upgrades for advanced features.
Reviews
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Monospace from Directus FAQ
How does Monospace handle data sovereignty when connecting to live systems?
Data stays in its original location: Monospace does not copy or migrate data. It introspects schema and queries live systems in real time, enforcing permissions and governance at query time.
What types of sources can Monospace connect to as connectors?
Monospace supports databases, REST APIs, and SaaS systems. Standard connectors are available for common sources, with premium and custom connector options for business and enterprise plans.
How does Monospace enforce permissions for AI agents differently than for human users?
Every caller (whether user, application, or agent) has a dedicated identity in Monospace. AI agents can be assigned unique access with specific limits and are tracked in the same audit log, ensuring governance applies uniformly across all entity types.
Does Monospace support offline or on-premises deployment modes?
Yes, the Enterprise plan includes an Offline Mode capability. The platform also runs via Docker, allowing self-hosted deployment.
What distinguishes Monospace from an iPaaS or data warehouse solution?
Unlike data warehouses, Monospace does not copy data, it reads and writes to live systems directly. Unlike iPaaS platforms that rely on scheduled pipelines, Monospace allows live queries at request time with schema and permission enforcement.
Can Monospace integrate with external identity providers for authentication?
Yes, Monospace supports SSO via OAuth 2.0, which is available on the Business plan. This enables integration with external identity providers for user authentication.
What is the role of the Data Studio in Monospace?
The Data Studio allows business users to query and build on live data using natural language, providing a no-code interface for accessing governed data sources within the Monospace layer.
How are skills and MCP used to teach AI agents about specific data schemas?
Through MCP tools, Monospace allows loading schema-reading tools that expand data structures (e.g., turning a simple ID into a full ecommerce tracking schema). These skills teach agents the schema and enforce best practices, ensuring agents act on live, governed data.
Source: monospace.io