Confluent is an enterprise-ready, full-scale streaming platform that enhances Apache Kafka.
Confluent has integrated cutting-edge features that are designed to enhance these tasks:
- Speed up application development and connectivity
- Enable transformations through stream processing
- Streamline business operations at scale
- Adhere to strict architectural standards
Confluent is a more complete distribution of Kafka in that it enhances the integration possibilities of Kafka by introducing tools for managing and optimizing Kafka clusters while providing methods for making sure the streams are secure. Confluent supports publish-and-subscribe as well as the storing and processing of data within the streams. Kafka is easier to operate and build thanks to Confluent.
Confluent's software is available in three different varieties:
- A free, open-source streaming platform that makes it simple to start using real-time data streams
- An enterprise-grade version of the product with more administrative, ops, and monitoring tools
- A premium cloud-based version.
Confluent Advantage Features
Confluent has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:
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Multi-language
- Clients: C++, Python, Go, and .NET
- REST proxy: Can connect to Kafka from any connected network device
- Admin REST APIs: RESTful interface for performing administrator operations
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Pre-built ecosystem
- Connectors: More than 100 supported connectors, including S3, Elastic, HDFS, JDBC
- MQTT proxy: Gain access to Kafka from MQTT gateways and devices
- Schema registry: Centralized database to guarantee data compatibility
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Streaming database
- ksqlDB: Materialized views and real-time stream processing
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GUI management
- Control panel: GUI for scalable Kafka management and monitoring
- Health+: Smart alerts and cloud-based control centers
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DevOps automation that is flexible
- Confluent for Kubernetes: Complete API to deploy on Kubernetes
- Automated Ansible deployment on non-containerized environments
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Dynamic performance
- Self-balancing clusters: Automated partition re-balancing across brokers in the cluster
- Tiered storage: Older Kafka data offloading to object storage with transparent access
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Security that is enterprise-grade
- Role-based access control: Granular user/group access authorization
- Audit logs that are structured: Logs of user actions kept in dedicated Kafka topics
- Secret protection: Sensitive information is encrypted
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Global resilience
- Linking clusters: A real-time, highly reliable, and consistent bridge across on-premises and cloud environments
- Multiple-region clusters: Single Kafka cluster with automated client failover distributed across multiple data centers
- Replicator: Asynchronous replication that is based on the Kafka Connect framework
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Support
- Round the clock enterprise support from Kafka experts
Reviews from Real Users
Confluent stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Two major ones are its robust enterprise support and its open source option. PeerSpot users take note of the advantages of these features in their reviews:
Ravi B., a solutions architect at a tech services company, writes of the solution, “KSQL is a valuable feature, as is the Kafka Connect framework for connecting to the various source systems where you need not write the code. We get great support from Confluent because we're using the enterprise version and whenever there's a problem, they support us with fine-tuning and finding the root cause.”
Amit S., an IT consultant, notes, “The biggest benefit is that it is open source. You have the flexibility of opting or not opting for enterprise support, even though the tool itself is open source.” He adds, “The second benefit is it's very modern and built on Java and Scala. You can extend the features very well, and it doesn't take a lot of effort to do so.”
Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC) offers seamless integration of master data management, data quality, and data integration with a cloud-native architecture supporting multiple data management styles, optimizing data governance through metadata management.
IDMC enhances data synchronization and mapping tasks, utilizing a broad range of connectors to interact efficiently with data sources. Its precise address validation via AddressDoctor and intuitive navigation bolster user empowerment, delivering agility, scalability, and security in data governance. Despite its strengths, areas like ease of use, SAP integration, and reporting could benefit from enhancements. Connectivity issues and workflow complexities are noted, needing improvements in performance, support, and licensing cost. Users demand expanded ETL capabilities, real-time processing, and broader data source support to address growing data needs.
What are the key features of IDMC?
- Integration Capabilities: Ensures seamless connectivity between on-premise and cloud environments.
- Master Data Management: Centralizes and streamlines data processes for enhanced quality.
- Data Quality: Employs tools for cleansing and standardizing data accuracy.
- Address Validation: Features AddressDoctor for precise address verification.
- Real-Time Processing: Supports real-time data handling for critical operations.
- Connectivity Options: Offers a wide array of connectors for easy data source interaction.
What benefits and ROI should users consider?
- Scalability: Cloud-native design boosts system agility, adapting to data volume changes.
- Security: Enhances data protection with robust encryption and compliance measures.
- Efficiency: Automates processes to reduce manual effort and errors.
- Flexibility: Supports diverse data management styles, offering adaptability to business changes.
- Governance: Empowers effective data governance through comprehensive metadata management.
In industries such as banking, healthcare, and telecom, IDMC is implemented for data integration, cloud migration, and enhancing data quality. Its capabilities are crucial for metadata management, lineage tracking, and real-time processing, ensuring high data quality and streamlined operations.
