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Azure Data Factory description
Azure Data Factory is a cloud-based platform designed to help businesses connect and integrate data from various sources. It allows you to build data pipelines that automate the process of extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) data, regardless of where it resides - be it on-premises servers or cloud storage. This empowers your team to analyze data efficiently and make informed decisions without delving into complex coding.
Who is Azure Data Factory best for
Azure Data Factory is a robust data integration platform ideal for data engineers and ETL developers in enterprise-level software, IT, and telecommunications companies. Users praise its versatile integration capabilities, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration with other Azure services. However, some find complex transformations challenging and pipeline debugging difficult. Its drag-and-drop interface simplifies data pipeline building, automating data workflows and handling large datasets efficiently.
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Best for enterprise companies.
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Ideal for the software, IT, and telecommunications industry.
Azure Data Factory features
| Supported Azure Data Factory (ADF) is built to orchestrate and automate data integration workflows, including ETL processes. Its capabilities such as data transformation activities, scalability, visual interface for pipeline orchestration, and integration with other Azure services enable efficient and scalable data integration, ensuring smooth ETL processes. |
| Supported Azure Data Factory supports data transformation using SQL queries through features like Data Flows, Stored Procedures, and Copy Activity. |
| Supported Azure Data Factory supports GUI data transformations using Mapping Data Flows. |
| Supported Azure Data Factory automates data workflows with pipelines, activities, scheduling, and triggers. |
| Supported Azure Data Factory integrates with various sources, including ERP, databases, and data warehouses. |
We evaluate the sentiment that users express about non-functional aspects of the software
Customer Service
Ease of Use
Reliability and Performance
Ease of Implementation
Scalability
Azure Data Factory reviews
We've summarised 78 Azure Data Factory reviews (Azure Data Factory G2 reviews) and summarised the main points below.
- Robust and versatile data integration capabilities.
- User-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
- Seamless integration with other Azure services.
- Handles large data volumes efficiently.
- Offers both automated and manual methods for pipeline execution and debugging.
- Difficult to write complex transformation logic in ADF.
- Pipeline execution can be slow due to internal failures that are hard to debug.
- Limited connector support for third-party data providers.
- Logging functionality could be improved.
- Documentation could be more comprehensive with more real-world examples.
Azure Data Factory pricing
The commentary is based on 9 reviews from Azure Data Factory G2 reviews.
Azure Data Factory offers cost-effective data integration and pipeline orchestration, particularly beneficial for small businesses. However, users noted that costs can escalate with large data volumes or frequent pipeline runs, requiring careful monitoring. Despite this, its serverless nature and scalability make it a valuable tool.
Users sentiment
Azure Data Factory alternatives
azure-data-factory vs dbtBetter fit for smaller teams with SQL proficiency. Has strong data governance tool integration and offers more flexible pricing, including a free tier. Grows significantly faster in terms of employee count. dbt is a strong Azure Data Factory competitor and alternative for those focused on transformation within their data warehouse.Read more
Databricks Data Intelligence PlatformBetter fit for users invested in open-source technologies and AI/ML workloads. It has significantly more momentum and offers a unified platform for data engineering, science, and machine learning. However, users have noted slower cluster startup times and room for documentation improvement as potential drawbacks. A strong Azure Data Factory competitor.Read more
Estuary FlowBetter for real-time data pipelines. Has more momentum based on employee growth. Offers pre-built connectors. Caters to all business sizes.Read more
LookerBetter for business intelligence and data analysis for non-technical users. A strong Looker alternative for those prioritizing ease of use and integration with Google products. More suitable for industries like healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and retail.Read more
AchoBetter for building custom data applications. Easier to use, with excellent customer support. Geared towards growing businesses needing streamlined operations. Suited for non-technical users for data manipulation and reporting.Read more
CloverDXBetter customer support and easier to use. CloverDX is a better Azure Data Factory alternative for handling large datasets and complex data integration tasks. Less suitable for software and IT companies. Has slower momentum.Read more
Azure Data Factory FAQ
What is Azure Data Factory and what does Azure Data Factory do?
Azure Data Factory is a cloud-based data integration service that allows you to create, schedule, and manage data pipelines. It orchestrates and automates data movement and transformation from various sources to destinations, enabling efficient data-driven insights. It offers a visual interface for building ETL processes without complex coding.
How does Azure Data Factory integrate with other tools?
Azure Data Factory integrates seamlessly with other Azure services like Azure Blob Storage, Azure Data Lake Storage, and Azure Synapse Analytics. It also connects to on-premises and cloud data sources using a rich library of connectors. This broad integration enables comprehensive data pipelines for various ETL and ELT needs.
What the main competitors of Azure Data Factory?
Top alternatives to Azure Data Factory include Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, Estuary Flow, Hevo Data, dbt, Tableau, and CloverDX. These competitors offer similar data integration and transformation capabilities, catering to various business needs and data complexities.
Is Azure Data Factory legit?
Yes, Azure Data Factory is a legitimate and safe cloud-based data integration service from Microsoft. It's a robust ETL and data integration tool trusted by many for building and managing data pipelines. However, some users find complex transformations challenging and pipeline debugging difficult.
How much does Azure Data Factory cost?
Azure Data Factory pricing depends on several factors, including data volume, activity type, and execution duration. Unfortunately, specific pricing details are not readily available. Contact Azure for a personalized quote to determine if the product is worth the cost for your data integration needs.
Is Azure Data Factory customer service good?
Customer reviews on Azure Data Factory's customer service are positive, describing it as "great," "high," and "excellent." Users appreciate the easy-to-use interface and robust data integration capabilities. However, some find debugging challenging due to occasional internal pipeline failures.
Reviewed by
Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.
Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.