Photo by xyzcharlize on Unsplash
Data integration in Azure Synapse Analytics versus Azure Data Factory
ADF Pipelines vs Synapse Pipelines
In Azure Synapse Analytics, the data integration capabilities such as Synapse pipelines and data flows are based upon those of Azure Data Factory. Below are the differences between Azure Data Factory Pipelines vs Azure Synapse Analytics
Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Data Factory (ADF) are both integral components of Microsoft's data integration ecosystem, each offering unique capabilities tailored to specific organizational needs. While Synapse pipelines and data flows in Azure Synapse Analytics are built upon the foundational features of ADF, there are distinct differences between the two platforms.
| Category | Feature | Azure Data Factory | Azure Synapse Analytics |
| Integration Runtime | Support for Cross-region Integration Runtime (Data Flows) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Integration Runtime Sharing | ✓ Can be shared across different data factories | ✗ | |
| Pipelines Activities | Support for Power Query Activity | ✓ | ✗ |
| Support for global parameters | ✓ | ✗ | |
| Template Gallery and Knowledge center | Solution Templates | ✓ Azure Data Factory Template Gallery | ✓ Synapse Workspace Knowledge center |
| GIT Repository Integration | GIT Integration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monitoring | Monitoring of Spark Jobs for Data Flow | ✗ | ✓ Use the Synapse Spark pools |
Key Differences
Integration Runtime:
Cross-Region Support: ADF supports cross-region Integration Runtime for data flows, enabling data movement and transformation across different geographic regions. In contrast, Azure Synapse Analytics does not offer this capability.
Integration Runtime Sharing: ADF allows the sharing of Integration Runtime across multiple data factories, promoting resource efficiency. Azure Synapse Analytics, however, does not support Integration Runtime sharing.
Pipeline Activities:
Power Query Activity: ADF includes support for Power Query activities, facilitating data preparation through a familiar interface. This feature is not available in Azure Synapse Analytics.
Global Parameters: ADF provides global parameters that can be utilized across pipelines for consistent configuration management. Azure Synapse Analytics lacks support for global parameters.
Template Gallery and Knowledge Center:
- Solution Templates: ADF offers a comprehensive Template Gallery with pre-built solutions to accelerate development. Azure Synapse Analytics provides similar resources through its Knowledge Center.
GIT Repository Integration:
- Both ADF and Azure Synapse Analytics support GIT integration, enabling version control and collaborative development workflows.
Monitoring:
- Spark Job Monitoring: Azure Synapse Analytics offers integrated monitoring of Spark jobs for data flows, leveraging its Spark pools. This specific monitoring capability is not present in ADF.
Conclusion
While Azure Synapse Analytics and Azure Data Factory share foundational data integration capabilities, they cater to different aspects of data processing and analytics. Organizations should assess their specific requirements—such as the need for cross-region data movement, resource sharing, or advanced monitoring—to determine the most suitable platform for their data integration and analytics needs.