Pulsar as a Service vs Managed in Your Environment
Pulsar as a Service vs Managed in Your Environment
Pulsar as a Service vs Managed in Your Environment
Preferred Alternative to Pulsar as a Service
Preferred Alternative to Pulsar as a Service
The way you choose to implement Apache Pulsar™ can significantly impact your operations. The two primary options are Pulsar as a Service and Managed Pulsar in your environment. In this article we offer a detailed comparison of the two approaches.
Both Pulsar Software as a Service and Managed Pulsar in your environment are maintenance-free and include 24/7 troubleshooting. In both cases, the service provider takes care of updates, patches, and troubleshooting. However, there are important differences that should be considered.
Pulsar as a Service
Pulsar as a Service is a cloud-based solution where a third-party provider hosts and manages your Apache Pulsar environment. This service model is often appealing for its quick setup and hands-off maintenance. Businesses can essentially “rent” the capabilities of Apache Pulsar without worrying about the nitty-gritty details of its implementation.
Pros
- Quick Deployment: Get up and running quickly.
Cons
- Limited Control: You have to work within the constraints set by the service provider.
- Security Concerns: Your data is hosted on third-party servers, potentially exposing it to risks.
- Vendor Lock-in: Migrating to another service or back to an on-premises solution can be complicated and costly.
Learn more about security concerns with hosted Pulsar here.
Fully Managed Pulsar in Your Environment
In contrast, Managed Pulsar in your environment (AWS, Azure, GCP, or on-prem) means that Apache Pulsar is run on your own servers. It is fully maintained by Pulsar experts, giving you the hands-off benefits of hosted Pulsar, and with significant performance and security improvements.
Pros
- Complete Control: Customize Apache Pulsar to fit your specific needs. No limits on versions, no forced upgrades.
- Enhanced Security: Keep your data within your own secure environment.
- Long-Term Investment: Build a system that evolves with your business.
- No Vendor Lock-in: You’re free to change your setup or switch providers without major hurdles.
Cons
- Initial Setup: Requires an upfront investment in infrastructure (if running on-prem) and expertise.
If you’re new to Pulsar and want a beginner course, check our Pulsar tutorial series.
Why Managed Pulsar in Your Environment is the Better Choice
Cost
SaaS services can be budget friendly for small use cases; the surcharges added onto instance costs are economical. For simple project, it would be cheaper to use a host than using a service like ours.
However, as data volume increases, those surcharges and other fees add up. For instance, our management fees are half the cost of the SaaS Pulsar providers when streaming large data volumes. And with our service you get much more than SaaS services. You get personalized help, 15-minute response times, and training. And we attend regular meetings, expectation-set with senior management, and provide troubleshooting support for the applications that work with Pulsar.
Enhanced Security
When it comes to data security, nothing beats having your own controlled environment. With Managed Pulsar in your environment, you have the freedom to implement security protocols that align with your organization’s policies. You’re not sharing resources with other businesses, which minimizes the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Complete Control Over Your Data
Having complete control over your data is not just about security; it’s about ownership. With Managed Pulsar in your environment, your data never leaves your controlled ecosystem.
Long-Term Investment
While the initial setup cost of Managed Pulsar in your environment might be higher, it’s a long-term investment that pays off. You’re building an asset that is entirely under your control and can be tailored to meet your evolving business needs. This is not just an operational advantage; it’s a strategic one that positions your business for long-term success.
Flexibility Without Vendor Lock-in
One of the significant downsides of Pulsar as a Service is the potential for vendor lock-in. You’re often limited to the tools, integrations, and configurations that the service provider offers. Switching providers or moving to an in-house solution can be a complex, costly affair. With Managed Pulsar in your environment, you have the flexibility to adapt your setup as needed, without the constraints of vendor-specific limitations.
Learn about Dattell's managed Pulsar service
Learn about Dattell's managed Pulsar service
Learn about Dattell's managed Pulsar service
Dedicated engineer · Flat-fee pricing
24/7 support · 99.99% uptime SLA
In your environment (cloud or on-prem)