IBM InfoSphere DataStage Reviews

Vendor: IBM

3.9 out of 5

42 reviews
83% willing to recommend

1,564 followers

What is IBM InfoSphere DataStage?

IBM InfoSphere DataStage is a high-quality data integration tool that aims to design, develop, and run jobs that move and transform data for organizations of different sizes. The product works by integrating data across multiple systems through a high-performance parallel framework. It supports extended metadata management, enterprise connectivity, and integration of all types of data.

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IBM InfoSphere DataStage is the #6 ranked solution in top Data Integration Tools. PeerSpot users give IBM InfoSphere DataStage an average rating of 7.8 out of 10. IBM InfoSphere DataStage is most commonly compared to Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC): IBM InfoSphere DataStage vs Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC). IBM InfoSphere DataStage is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 73% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 28% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

IBM InfoSphere DataStage

April 2025

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Helped 856,873 peers since 2012

Featured IBM InfoSphere DataStage reviews

Swetha S

Sr Product Manager at a computer software company with 501-1,000 employees

The support has been really good. Typically, if we have any issues, we raise a ticket with IBM, and they help us resolve the issues if required. We also have the flexibility to submit a feature request to be included as part of the wishlist, potentially becoming a product feature in subsequent releases.

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Yusuf Arslan

Senior Data Architect at Anadolu Sigorta

When deploying using IBM InfoSphere DataStage, the initial steps involve defining the source and target connections. The first step is establishing these connections, ensuring data can flow from the source to the target. Subsequent steps, such as implementing changes or updates, can be approached in two ways. If a change data capture mechanism like IBM InfoSphere or similar tools like Oracle GoldenGate is available, DataStage can leverage these tools to propagate changes. Alternatively, if such mechanisms are not in place, DataStage can handle updates using its ETL capabilities, which may require more effort. DataStage performs incremental updates when dealing with large and smaller reference tables.

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Rahul Saxena

Manager - Business Technology Solutions at a consultancy with 1,001-5,000 employees

I deal with companies from the healthcare industry. The solutions are largely cloud-based. In data-rich industries like telecom or BFSI, such tools are extensively used. Healthcare also has a lot of data. I will encourage people to use the solution. It is quite an easy tool. Every stage has a help guide. It’s an extensive documentation. We can understand the purpose of a stage, how the connection has to be set up, how to set up a username and password, and whom we should contact. New users must start using the tool and explore it. They might have to invest ten days or two weeks to understand the workflows and options. It is easy to learn. My company is a partner with IBM. Overall, I rate the product a nine out of ten.

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IBM InfoSphere DataStage mindshare

As of June 2025, the mindshare of IBM InfoSphere DataStage in the Data Integration category stands at 5.0%, down from 5.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Data Integration

PeerResearch reports based on IBM InfoSphere DataStage reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Data Integration	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM InfoSphere DataStage vs Azure Data Factory	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM InfoSphere DataStage vs Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC)	Jun 15, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM InfoSphere DataStage vs SSIS	Jun 15, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Informatica Intelligent Data Management Cloud (IDMC)	4.0	4.3%	93%	185 interviews Add to research
Azure Data Factory	4.0	8.4%	92%	91 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Parallel processing enables rapid data handling. Strong connectivity with numerous database and application connectors enhances integration. Dynamic transformation components with a user-friendly interface simplify complex processes. Robust metadata management supports comprehensive data tracking. High scalability and stability ensure extensive data operations. ETL capabilities facilitate sophisticated data manipulation. Versatility in integrating complex business rules and the adaptability for various data environments make it highly functional for enterprise use.

"IBM InfoSphere DataStage is a stable tool with active support from IBM."
"The support has been really good."
"It is straightforward from a design and development perspective, and also for deployment."

Room for Improvement

IBM InfoSphere DataStage needs a more intuitive user interface, improved cloud integration, and better pricing. Stability and performance are concerns, especially with large datasets. Users seek enhanced documentation, more connectors for modern data sources, and better support for non-IBM tools. Recovery features and a more streamlined setup process are desired. There are also requests for improved diagnostics, error messaging, and logging capabilities. Compatibility with open-source platforms and additional customization options are frequently mentioned areas for improvement.

"The solution needs improvement in connectivity with big data technologies such as Spark."
"I wonder if it supports other areas, such as cloud environments with open source support, or EdgeShift."
"I am unsure of whether it supports other databases like Postgres or Redshift."

ROI

Users of IBM InfoSphere DataStage report facing higher costs in certain tasks. Optimizing performance has led to over 200% improvement by addressing inefficient lookups and joining operations. This reduction in maintenance and unnecessary queries has contributed to positive financial returns. IBM's active development to resolve these common issues is ongoing. Some users associate continued use with receiving good financial outcomes, while others depend on individual project analysis for specific return insights.

Pricing

Enterprise users describe IBM InfoSphere DataStage pricing as variable, depending on configuration and usage. It is typically less costly than Informatica but still considered expensive for small and medium businesses. Licensing fees are often grouped at the company level, with an initial investment covering software and maintenance for the first year. Usage costs can reach around $6,000 monthly, covering storage and execution. On-premises setups might require additional server investments beyond the standard software and maintenance costs.

"The pricing is competitive but on the higher side of the pricing scale."
"The solution is cheap."
"The product is expensive."

Popular Use Cases

IBM InfoSphere DataStage is primarily utilized for complex data integration tasks involving multiple sources. Entities employ it for ETL processes, data warehousing, and data migration, catering to large enterprises across sectors like banking, telecommunications, and insurance. It supports data extraction, transformation, and loading from varied systems, aids business logic processing, and handles data quality and governance. Implementations often involve consulting partners for seamless integration into client environments.

Service and Support

Clients usually find IBM InfoSphere DataStage support very reliable, providing consistent availability and responsiveness. Regional differences influence experience levels; some regions experience delays and knowledge gaps. Many enjoy prompt assistance with significant issues resolved efficiently. In some regions, support is deemed satisfactory, rated around 8/10. However, some seek improved communication and faster resolutions. Clients value direct hotline access and appreciate IBM's documentation, though there's room for advancement in understanding end-users’ urgency.

Deployment

Initial setup of IBM InfoSphere DataStage varies by environment, with some reporting it as straightforward, while others found it complex, requiring expertise and vendor coordination. Installation time ranged from mere hours to a few days. On-premises setups were commonly mentioned as more challenging, needing technical expertise. Cloud and hybrid implementations potentially offered easier installations. Organizations with larger deployments often utilized teams for setup and maintenance, noting that the process becomes more intricate as more processes are added.

Scalability

IBM InfoSphere DataStage is noted for strong scalability across various markets, serving thousands globally. Users indicate ease in scaling, though resource-intensive requirements and scaling complexities on-premises are mentioned. It performs well in enterprise settings and supports diverse data connections. Scalability ratings range from seven to nine out of ten, with many able to scale usage as needed. Users highlight its ability to function effectively across multiple geographies with significant user numbers.

Stability

IBM InfoSphere DataStage is widely regarded as stable, with minimal issues. Many report strong reliability, especially on Linux platforms, while Windows hosts face more crashes. Some new features in the latest version introduced instability, but these seem limited. Feedback ranges from six to ten out of ten for stability. Regular minor issues, often due to user practices, were mentioned. Service pack installations sometimes cause temporary problems, necessitating additional patches.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our IBM InfoSphere DataStage Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

28%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Insurance Company

Retailer

Healthcare Company

Educational Organization

University

Real Estate/Law Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Legal Firm

Construction Company

Comms Service Provider

Energy/Utilities Company

Logistics Company

Non Profit

Performing Arts

Hospitality Company

Consumer Goods Company

Media Company

Outsourcing Company

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Compare IBM InfoSphere DataStage with alternative products

Learn more about IBM InfoSphere DataStage

The solution is the data integration component of IBM InfoSphere Information Server, providing a graphical framework for moving data from source systems to target systems. IBM InfoSphere DataStage can deliver data to data warehouses, data marts, operational data sources, and other enterprise applications. The tool works with various types of patterns - extract, transform and load (ETL), and extract, load, and transform (ELT). The scalability of the platform is achieved by using parallel processing and enterprise connectivity.

The solution has various versions, catering to different types of companies, which include the Server Edition, the Enterprise Edition, and the MVS Edition. Depending on which version a company has bought, different goals can be achieved. They include the following:

Designing data flows to extract information from multiple sources, transform the data, and deliver it to target databases or applications.
Delivery of relevant and accurate data through direct connections to enterprise applications.
Reduction of development time and improvement of consistency through prebuilt functions.
Utilization of InfoSphere Information Server tools for accelerating the project delivery cycle.

IBM InfoSphere DataStage can be deployed in various ways, including:

As a service: The tool can be accessed from a subscription model, where its capabilities are a part of IBM DataStage on IBM Cloud Park for Data as a Service. This option offers full management on IBM Cloud.
On premises or in any cloud: The two editions - IBM DataStage Enterprise and IBM DataStage Enterprise Plus - can run workloads on premises or in any cloud when added to IBM DataStage on IBM Cloud Pak for Data as a Service.
On premises: The basic jobs of the tool can be run on premises using IBM DataStage.

IBM InfoSphere DataStage Features

The tool has various features through which users can integrate and utilize their data effectively. The components of IBM InfoSphere DataStage include:

AI services: The tool offers services such as data science, event messaging, data warehousing, and data virtualization. It accelerates processes through artificial intelligence (AI) and offers a connection with IBM Cloud Paks - the cloud-native insight platform of the solution.
Parallel engine: Through this feature, ETL performance can be optimized to process data at scale. This is achieved through parallel engine and load balancing, which maximizes throughput.
Metadata support: This feature of the product uses the IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog to protect companies' sensitive data and monitor who can access it and at what levels.
Automated delivery pipelines: IBM InfoSphere DataStage reduces costs by automating continuous integration and delivery of pipelines.
Prebuilt connectors: The feature for prebuilt connectivity and stages allows users to move data between multiple cloud sources and data warehouses, including IBM native products.
IBM DataStage Flow Designer: This feature offers assistance through machine learning design. The product offers its clients a user-friendly interface which facilitates the work process.
IBM InfoSphere QualityStage: The tool provides a feature that automatically resolves data quality issues and increases the reliability of the delivered data.
Automated failure detection: Through this feature, companies can reduce infrastructure management efforts, relying on the automated detection that the tool offers.
Distributed data processing: Cloud runtimes can be executed remotely through this feature while maintaining its sovereignty and decreasing costs.

IBM InfoSphere DataStage Benefits

This solution offers many benefits for the companies that utilize it for data integration. Some of these benefits include:

Increased speed of workload execution due to better balancing and a parallel engine.
Reduction of data movement costs through integrations and seamless design of jobs.
Modernization of data integration by extending the capabilities of companies' data.
Delivery of reliable data through IBM Cloud Pak for Data.
Utilization of a drag-and-drop interface which assists in the delivery of data without the need for code.
Effective data manipulation allows data to be merged before being mapped and transformed.
Creating easier access of users to their data by providing visual maps of the process and the delivered data.