In 2026, enterprise search is no longer about typing keywords into a static intranet. Instead, organizations demand AI-powered enterprise search that understands context, permissions, and intent. That’s where Glean positions itself—not just as search software, but as a Work AI platform built to unify company knowledge across tools.
With the rise of vector search, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and LLM-powered assistants, Glean has evolved into a central intelligence layer for modern workplaces.
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What Is Glean AI?
Glean is an AI-powered enterprise search and knowledge discovery platform. It connects to 100+ SaaS applications—like Slack, Google Drive, Jira, and Salesforce—and indexes data while respecting real-time permissions.
Unlike traditional keyword-based systems, Glean uses:
- Semantic search powered by vector embeddings
- Enterprise Graph modeling to understand relationships between people, content, and teams
- Permission-aware AI search to ensure secure results
- LLM-based summarization for instant insights
In simple terms: Glean helps employees find internal documents, conversations, and answers instantly—without manually searching across tools.
Core Features: Semantic Search vs. Traditional Keyword Match
Traditional enterprise search tools rely on exact keyword matches. This creates friction when:
- File names don’t match search queries
- Knowledge is buried inside Slack threads
- Content lives across disconnected platforms
Glean replaces this with vector search enterprise architecture. It understands meaning, not just words.
For example:
- Searching “Q4 revenue forecast” can surface a Slack discussion, a Google Sheet, and a Salesforce dashboard—even if none use that exact phrase.
- The system retrieves relevant context using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to provide summarized answers.
This dramatically reduces time wasted switching between tools.
Solving the “Information Silo” Problem
Information silos are one of the biggest productivity drains in large organizations.
Common challenges include:
- Employees spending 20–30% of time searching for information
- Onboarding delays due to fragmented documentation
- Duplicate work caused by lack of visibility
Glean addresses this by acting as a federated search tool across enterprise systems. Instead of replacing existing apps, it overlays them with intelligent discovery.
How It Improves Workplace Productivity
- Faster onboarding through AI-curated knowledge paths
- Reduced Slack search time
- Centralized knowledge discovery
- Context-aware recommendations
For industries like law firms, engineering teams, and finance departments, this translates into measurable ROI.
Connectivity: Integrating with 100+ SaaS Applications
One of Glean’s strongest differentiators is its extensive integrations.
It connects with:
- Collaboration tools (Slack, Teams)
- Documentation systems (Confluence, Notion)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Box)
- CRM platforms (Salesforce)
- Project management tools (Jira, Asana)
This creates a unified enterprise knowledge layer without forcing companies to migrate data.
Security & Permissions: Why Enterprise RAG Matters
A major concern with LLM-based internal knowledge systems is data privacy.
Glean’s architecture is permission-aware. That means:
- Users only see data they already have access to
- Security policies are enforced in real time
- Sensitive data remains protected
This is critical for regulated industries like finance and healthcare.
Enterprise RAG ensures that generated responses are grounded in company-approved data sources—reducing hallucination risk and compliance exposure.
Glean vs. Microsoft Viva: Is It Better Than SharePoint Search?
Many organizations compare Glean with Microsoft’s native search ecosystem.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Glean | Microsoft 365 / SharePoint |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-App Search | 100+ SaaS tools | Primarily Microsoft stack |
| Semantic AI Search | Advanced vector-based | Improving but ecosystem-limited |
| Enterprise Graph | Deep relationship modeling | Limited outside MS tools |
| Neutral Platform | Yes | Microsoft-first |
For companies operating in multi-tool environments, Glean often provides broader visibility.
Industry-Specific Use Cases: The “Golden Keyword” Strategy
Glean is increasingly positioning itself by industry.
AI-Powered Enterprise Search for Engineering
- Find architectural decisions in Slack threads
- Surface code documentation instantly
- Reduce onboarding time for new developers
Enterprise Search for Law Firms
- Retrieve contract versions quickly
- Maintain compliance with permission-aware access
- Summarize case documents using AI
Enterprise Search for Finance Teams
- Locate financial models across drives
- Connect CRM revenue data with forecasting documents
- Improve audit readiness
Targeting “AI-powered enterprise search for [industry]” captures high-intent buyers with specific operational needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Glean handle data privacy?
Glean respects real-time permissions from connected systems, ensuring users only access authorized information.
Is Glean better than traditional intranet search?
For multi-tool organizations, Glean’s semantic and federated search capabilities typically outperform static intranet systems.
Does Glean use vector search?
Yes. Glean leverages vector embeddings and LLM-based retrieval techniques to improve relevance and context.
Final Thoughts: Beyond Enterprise Search
Glean represents a shift from passive search to proactive Work AI. Instead of merely indexing documents, it interprets, summarizes, and connects knowledge across the organization.
As companies move toward AI-native workflows, platforms that combine:
- Semantic search
- Enterprise Graph intelligence
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation
- Permission-aware architecture
will define the next generation of workplace productivity.
In 2026, Glean is not just competing in enterprise search—it is shaping the Work AI category itself.