Unify and query private network data in Grafana Cloud: Private Data Source Connect is now GA

Grafana Cloud has introduced Private Data Source Connect (PDC), now generally available to all users, allowing secure querying of network-secured data sources like MySQL databases or Elasticsearch clusters from within a private network or Virtual Private Cloud without exposing them to the internet. This feature establishes a secure link via an SSH tunnel, enabling users to visualize and alert on private data without needing to allowlist numerous IP addresses, thus enhancing security and operational efficiency. PDC supports multiple data sources within the same network and allows for connections between a single Grafana Cloud stack and multiple private networks, facilitating comprehensive data integration. The service has been welcomed by organizations like Infodation and Notino for its robust security and ease of setup, and it complements other Grafana Cloud tools like continuous profiling and performance testing. While PDC focuses on querying data sources from Grafana Cloud, it is distinct from AWS PrivateLink, which provides private connectivity for telemetry data between AWS VPCs and Grafana Cloud. The release underscores Grafana Cloud's commitment to providing secure, efficient, and comprehensive observability solutions, with future enhancements planned to further expand its capabilities.