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Azure Stream Analytics vs Google Cloud Dataflow comparison

 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

Executive SummaryUpdated on Dec 17, 2024

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
7.4
Azure Stream Analytics provides a 10% ROI with rapid delivery and quick setup, ideal for straightforward cloud-based scenarios.
Sentiment score
7.2
Google Cloud Dataflow is valued for its efficiency, with organizations reporting notable cost savings and up to 70% time savings.
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
7.0
Azure Stream Analytics support is praised for helpfulness and responsiveness, with varying service quality based on subscription level.
Sentiment score
8.0
Google Cloud Dataflow's customer service varies, with some experiencing slow support while others benefit from proactive communication and dedicated managers.
Any time I needed assistance, they were helpful.
The fact that no interaction is needed shows their great support since I don't face issues.
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.8
Azure Stream Analytics is scalable and reliable, supporting various teams, but complex operations may raise costs.
Sentiment score
7.1
Google Cloud Dataflow offers robust, seamless scalability with auto-scaling, though some users note cost considerations for expansive usage.
Maintenance requires a couple of people, however, it's not a full-time endeavor.
Google Cloud Dataflow has auto-scaling capabilities, allowing me to add different machine types based on pace and requirements.
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
6.7
Azure Stream Analytics is stable, generally reliable, but requires resource fine-tuning and handles occasional bugs, with positive support.
Sentiment score
8.3
Google Cloud Dataflow is highly rated for stability, being reliable with no performance issues due to Google's robust foundation.
They require significant effort and fine-tuning to function effectively.
I have not encountered any issues with the performance of Dataflow, as it is stable and backed by Google services.
 

Room For Improvement

Azure Stream Analytics users call for pricing transparency, enhanced flexibility, better Power BI integration, and improved error handling.
Enhance integration, error management, cost optimization, scalability, and promote broader adoption of Google Cloud Dataflow with improved SDK features.
A cost comparison between products is also not straightforward.
Outside of Google Cloud Platform, it is problematic for others to use it and may require promotion as an actual technology.
 

Setup Cost

Azure Stream Analytics offers competitive pricing with strong features, though scalability costs and short free trial may concern some users.
Google Cloud Dataflow is seen as affordable and competitive, with pricing influenced by machine type and data volume.
The Azure solution is better now, and competitors, even within Microsoft, may offer solutions that could make it cheaper.
 

Valuable Features

Azure Stream Analytics offers real-time analytics, ease of use, and seamless integration, excelling in IoT and data visualization.
Google Cloud Dataflow offers seamless integration and scalability with batch/streaming capabilities, supporting multiple languages for flexible, cost-efficient processing.
The native connectors and integration with other Microsoft products.
It supports multiple programming languages such as Java and Python, enabling flexibility without the need to learn something new.
 

Categories and Ranking

Azure Stream Analytics
Ranking in Streaming Analytics
3rd
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
6.9
Number of Reviews
25
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Google Cloud Dataflow
Ranking in Streaming Analytics
8th
Average Rating
8.0
Reviews Sentiment
7.3
Number of Reviews
11
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2025, in the Streaming Analytics category, the mindshare of Azure Stream Analytics is 11.4%, down from 12.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Google Cloud Dataflow is 7.7%, up from 6.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Streaming Analytics
 

Featured Reviews

SantiagoCordero - PeerSpot reviewer
Native connectors and integration simplify tasks but portfolio complexity needs addressing
There are too many products in the Azure landscape, which sometimes leads to overlap between them. Microsoft continuously releases new products or solutions, which can be frustrating when determining the appropriate features from one solution over another. A cost comparison between products is also not straightforward. They should simplify their portfolio. The Microsoft licensing system is confusing and not easy to understand, and this is something they should address. In the future, I may stop using Stream Analytics and move to other solutions. I discussed Palantir earlier, which is something I want to explore in depth because it allows me to accomplish more efficiently compared to solely using Azure. Additionally, the vendors should make the solution more user-friendly, incorporating low-code and no-code features. This is something I wish to explore further.
Jana Polianskaja - PeerSpot reviewer
Build Scalable Data Pipelines with Apache Beam and Google Cloud Dataflow
As a data engineer, I find several features of Google Cloud Dataflow particularly valuable. The ability to test solutions locally using Direct Runner is crucial for development, allowing me to validate pipelines without incurring the costs of full Dataflow jobs. The unified programming model for both batch and streaming processing is exceptional - requiring only minor code adjustments to optimize for either mode. This flexibility extends to language support, with robust implementations in both Java and Python, allowing teams to leverage their existing expertise. The platform's comprehensive monitoring capabilities are another standout feature. The intuitive interface, Grafana integration, and extensive service connectivity make troubleshooting and performance tracking highly efficient. Furthermore, seamless integration with Google Cloud Composer (managed Airflow) enables sophisticated orchestration of data pipelines.
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Use our free recommendation engine to learn which Streaming Analytics solutions are best for your needs.
837,501 professionals have used our research since 2012.
 

Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
15%
Financial Services Firm
14%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Retailer
6%
Financial Services Firm
17%
Retailer
12%
Manufacturing Company
12%
Computer Software Company
12%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
 

Questions from the Community

Which would you choose - Databricks or Azure Stream Analytics?
Databricks is an easy-to-set-up and versatile tool for data management, analysis, and business analytics. For analytics teams that have to interpret data to further the business goals of their orga...
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Stream Analytics?
When I purchased the product, it was comparable to other Azure products. From my point of view, it should be cheaper now, considering the years since its release. The Azure solution is better now, ...
What needs improvement with Azure Stream Analytics?
There are too many products in the Azure landscape, which sometimes leads to overlap between them. Microsoft continuously releases new products or solutions, which can be frustrating when determini...
What do you like most about Google Cloud Dataflow?
The product's installation process is easy...The tool's maintenance part is somewhat easy.
What needs improvement with Google Cloud Dataflow?
The authentication part of the product is an area of concern where improvements are required. For some common users, the solution's authentication part is difficult to use. The scalability of the p...
 

Also Known As

ASA
Google Dataflow
 

Overview

 

Sample Customers

Rockwell Automation, Milliman, Honeywell Building Solutions, Arcoflex Automation Solutions, Real Madrid C.F., Aerocrine, Ziosk, Tacoma Public Schools, P97 Networks
Absolutdata, Backflip Studios, Bluecore, Claritics, Crystalloids, Energyworx, GenieConnect, Leanplum, Nomanini, Redbus, Streak, TabTale
Find out what your peers are saying about Azure Stream Analytics vs. Google Cloud Dataflow and other solutions. Updated: January 2025.
837,501 professionals have used our research since 2012.