How to Process Data?
There are different approaches to processing data between multiple systems, such as real-time, data streams or streaming, batch processing or mini-batch mode data transfer. Below we will discuss some of the key differences between these approaches.
Asynchronous and synchronous refer to how multiple processes or threads operate in relation to one another. In the context of data processing, asynchronous can refer to batch processing, where a set of data is collected and processed at a later time, while synchronous can refer to streaming data, where data is processed in real-time as it is received. However, it is not limited to these contexts, and the meaning of asynchronous and synchronous can change depending on the specific application or system being discussed.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Data Transfer
Synchronous data refers to data that must be processed in a specific order and at a specific time. This approach involves transferring data between systems (from one data source to another) in real time or near real time, as soon as it is updated in the source system. This system ensures that the data is always up-to-date and available at the destination. Synchronous data transferring is best employed when the data needs to be updated at the same time across multiple data sources or to undertake fast data transfers.
Synchronous processing refers to the execution of tasks in a specific order, and often at the same time. For example, during the streaming process, data is received and processed in real-time, rather than waiting for a batch of data to be collecte"d. This allows for faster processing and reaction to incoming data, but can also require more resources to process data in real time.
For example, synchronous data propagation supports bi-directional data integration between source and destination and can be used to ensure that the data being transmitted is received correctly and without errors. Here, the destination server or secondary server acknowledges receipt of the data from the source or primary server and applies the changes to its own copy of the data. The primary server acknowledges receipt of the acknowledgment from the secondary server. This is crucial in situations where the data transferred is sensitive or where the consequences of data loss or corruption would be significant, such as a financial transaction that requires the receiving bank to acknowledge receipt of the funds before the transaction can be considered complete.
Asynchronous data transfer approach refers to transferring data between systems at intervals rather than in real-time, transferring data from one source to another at different times. This method is more flexible regarding when and how data is transferred. However, it may result in a delay between the moment data is updated in the source system and when it becomes available in the destination system.
This data transferring method is best used when data needs to move in batches, known as batch processing, or when data transfers need to take place over a long period. For example, data that is collected over periods and then processed in a single batch at a later time, rather than in real-time. This allows for more efficient use of resources, but can also introduce delays in data processing.
Batch and Stream Processing
Batch processing vs stream overview with some advantages and key features highlighted.
Real-time Processing
Similar to the synchronous approach discussed above, real-time data transfer implicates the continuous transferring of data from a source to a destination in real-time by using a stream of data that is continuously updated and made available to the destination as soon as it is received. Real-time integration allows data to be used or accessed immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled transfer or manual intervention.
This method is used frequently in scenarios where the accuracy and timeliness of the data are critical, sucdh as in financial systems or supply chain management.
Both synchronous and real-time data transfer involve transferring data between systems in real-time, but the specific technologies and methods used to implement the data transfer may differ. For example, data replication in real time would involve copying data as it is created or modified so that the copy is always up-to-date. This way, you can ensure that there is always a current copy of the data available in case of an emergency or disaster, or so it is accessible to multiple locations or users at once, allowing them to access and work with the most current version of the data.
There are several tools that organizations can use to achieve real-time data integration and transfer. KingswaySoft solutions support several different technologies, such as the following:
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APIs: are mechanisms for different software to communicate with each other. APIs are useful for real-time data transfer and integration if they are designed to support fast, low-latency communication. KingswaySoft supports REST, OData, and SOAP API technologies and protocols/architectural guidelines.
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Message queues: this technology allows you to send and receive messages between different systems or applications in a decoupled manner, which can be useful for real-time data transfer. KingswaySoft SSIS Productivity Pack includes support for multiple Message Queue systems, including Apache Kafka, RabbitMQ, and Azure Service Bus.
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File synchronization tools: these tools enable you to keep files in sync between different locations or devices in real-time. KingswaySoft also supports multiple file synchronization tools, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
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You also have the option to build custom solutions for real-time data transfer using technologies using web sockets, server-sent events, or other real-time communication methods. KingswaySoft's Integration Gateway offers real-time integration capabilities through webhooks, so you can save time and resources and start working with your most up-to-date data in real-time.
Stream Processing (Data Streams)
Stream processing involves continuous data processing from a source to a destination in real-time using a stream of data that is constantly updated and made available to the destination as soon as it is received, rather than in batches. In other words, stream processing refers to continuously ingesting data from data sources and processing it in real-time, instead of transferring the entire dataset all at once. This is similar to real-time data transfer, but the term "data streams/streaming" often refers specifically to the use of message queues or other streaming technologies to implement the data transfer.
This is the best approach for data that needs to be processed in smaller pieces for real-time analysis and decision-making, allowing the data to be processed and used in real-time, as it becomes available, rather than having to wait for the entire dataset to be transferred.
This system can be used in a wide range of applications, including real-time analytics, process automation, and data integration. Stream processing systems are also designed to handle large volumes of data, often reaching millions or billions of events per second. This systems also process data in parallel, using multiple nodes to manage different portions of the data stream. KingswaySoft solutions support several technologies and protocols available for implementing data streaming and stream processing frameworks, including Apache Kafka, Apache ActiveMQ, Azure Service Bus, RabbitMQ, Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP), and IBM MQ (formerly known as IBM WebSphere MQ).
It's worth noting that stream processing can also be asynchronous, meaning that the processing of data can be delayed, but it's still considered as stream processing as long as the data is processed as soon as possible after it is received.
Batch and Micro-Batch Processing
Batch processing means transferring data between systems in large batches at predetermined intervals, rather than continuously, on-demand, or in real-time. The batch mode integration approach is best used when data needs to be moved in large chunks or when data needs to be processed at set time intervals. This is often used to transfer large volumes of data, such as for data warehousing or data migration purposes. For example, batch mode data replication would mean that data is collected and then copied at regular intervals.
Batch processing has several advantages, including:
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Efficiency: Batch mode allows for multiple data items to be transferred at once, reducing the overhead associated with multiple individual transfers.
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Speed: Batch mode can be faster than transferring data item-by-item because it reduces the number of handshakes between the sender and receiver.
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Data Integrity: In batch mode, data is typically checksummed or otherwise verified before being written to the destination, ensuring that all data is transferred correctly.
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Error handling: In batch mode, if an error occurs during the transfer, the entire batch can be retransmitted, reducing the risk of data loss.
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Resource usage: Batch mode can be less resource-intensive than transferring data item-by-item because it requires less overhead in terms of network and storage resources.
Micro-batch data transfer, on the other hand, refers to the process of sending data in smaller chunks or subsets, rather than all at once. This allows for more efficient use of network resources and can also help to reduce the impact of network congestion or delays. Micro-batch processing is commonly used in situations where real-time data transfer is required, such as in streaming applications or online gaming.
It's worth noting that the micro-batch size used in data transfer can also be a trade-off between the two extremes of sending data one packet at a time and sending the entire data all at once. The micro-batch size can be adjusted to find the best trade-off for a specific network and application.
There are multiple tools that can be used for batch processing, including:
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File transfer tools: allow you to transfer files between different systems or locations. Examples of file transfer tools include FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol).
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Data integration tools: allow you to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from one system or location to another. KingswaySoft is a powerful solution for data integration that removes the complexity of this process and streamlines your ETL development.
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Data migration tools: allow you to move data from one system or location to another. KingwaySoft supports a wide variety of tools that facilitate data migration.
Choosing the Right Data Integration Tool
KingswaySoft provides powerful and sophisticated SQL-server-based data integration solutions specifically designed to handle the most complex and demanding integration challenges. With these software solutions, organizations of all sizes can easily and efficiently integrate their data from multiple systems, including databases, a cloud data warehouse, file servers, and more. Additionally, leverage a wide array of SSIS components with advanced capabilities such as data transformation, data cleansing, encryption, automation, value mapping, big data integration, and much more, making it easy to transform and normalize data as it is being integrated.
KingswaySoft provides robust, flexible, and cost-effective data integration solutions so you can take control of your data. Click here to find out more.
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About KingswaySoft
KingswaySoft is a leading integration solution provider that offers sophisticated software solutions that make data integration simple and affordable. We have an extreme passion for our software quality and an intense commitment to our client's success. Our development process has always been customer-focused, we have been working very closely with our customers to deliver what benefits them the most. We have also made sure that our support services are always highly responsive so that our customers receive maximum benefit from the use of our products.
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