Actian Zen
Actian Zen is an embedded database for managing data across edge environments and the cloud.
What Actian Zen is
Actian Zen is an embedded database for managing data across edge environments and the cloud. Its lightweight engine combines relational data, vector search, semantic queries, and connectivity for AI agents. Zen supports native vector search for up to 1 million vectors and hybrid queries that combine relational filters with semantic similarity. It offers SQL access through ODBC and JDBC, as well as NoSQL access through Btrieve and Btrieve 2 APIs. Zen can process data locally, and the product describes semantic search, vector queries, and AI-agent workflows that can operate offline, including in air-gapped environments. A native MCP server lets AI agents such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini query local data. Zen Enterprise supports embedded, on-premises, and cloud applications, including branch and remote field environments. Zen Edge supports over 100 concurrent users, while Zen Enterprise is designed for thousands. Enterprise also integrates with ERP, point-of-sale, and accounting applications. A 30-day trial is available, and paid pricing starts at $417/mo (annual). Actian was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.
Good
- Native vector search supports up to 1 million vectors
- Hybrid queries combine relational filters and semantic similarity
- Semantic and AI-agent workflows can run offline
- Supports SQL and NoSQL access
Watch out
- Paid pricing starts at $417/mo with annual billing
- The listed trial lasts 30 days
Who it suits
Actian Zen may suit developers and organizations building embedded or edge-to-cloud applications that need relational and vector data access. Its offline workflows may be relevant where local processing is needed, including air-gapped environments.
Verdict
Actian Zen combines embedded database access with vector search and local AI-agent workflows. Its offline capability and deployment options may fit edge settings, while the listed paid starting price is $417/mo (annual).
Plans and prices
From Actian Zen's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Actian Zen | Priced on request | Public pricing not stated; book a demo or contact Actian for product information |
The facts
Each one read from Actian Zen's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- AI agents
- The Zen product page says it includes a native MCP server for AI agents such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to query local data.checked 7 Oct 2026
- AI and vector search
- Zen supports native vector search for up to 1 million vectors and hybrid queries that combine relational filters with semantic similarity.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Audit and backups
- Actian describes Audit Master as capturing database access and changes in an audit trail, and Backup Agent as supporting continuous backups and an embeddable API.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- Zen Enterprise is described for embedded, on-premises, and cloud applications, including branch and remote field environments.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The product page says Zen Enterprise integrates with existing ERP, point-of-sale, and accounting applications.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- Zen supports both SQL and NoSQL access; the Enterprise datasheet lists ODBC and JDBC for SQL and Btrieve and Btrieve 2 APIs for NoSQL.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Mobile support
- Zen Mobile is an embedded database for Android and iOS and its datasheet lists AES 256-bit encryption for data at rest.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Offline use
- Zen supports local data processing and describes semantic search, vector queries, and AI-agent workflows running offline, including in air-gapped environments.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Actian Zen is an embedded database for edge-to-cloud data management that combines relational data, vector search, semantic queries, and AI-agent connectivity in a lightweight engine.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Replication and encryption
- Actian says its DataExchange replication solution synchronizes Zen databases in real time and uses built-in 256-bit encryption.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Actian Support Services says technical expertise, guidance, and knowledge are available 24/7.checked 7 Oct 2026
- User capacity
- The Zen product page says Zen Edge supports over 100 concurrent users and Zen Enterprise is designed for thousands of concurrent users.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Company security
- Actian’s Trust Center lists SOC 2 Type II for Actian Data Platform and Data Intelligence Platform and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for Actian Data Intelligence Platform and Actian Corporation.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 1980checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Santa Clara, California, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform support
- The Enterprise datasheet lists Windows, Linux, macOS, Intel and ARM, VMware, Hyper-V, and Docker deployments.checked 7 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial
- Actian says its Zen Embedded database trial downloads are full versions with a 30-day temporary license; the downloads page lists v13 packages.checked 7 Oct 2026
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