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Apache Pulsar vs Google PubSub

In today’s corporate climate, the need for a high-end message distribution system is as high as ever, and that’s only going to grow. As time passes, the existing solutions slowly get obsolete. The sad thing about software is that it tends to get a bit stale fairly quickly without constant maintenance and updates. This article will put two different systems that have passed the test of time and are regularly maintained and updated by developers – Apache Pulsar vs Google PubSub. 

We’ll be comparing the two, overlooking their unique features, and putting them to the test to see the better option.  

What is Apache Pulsar

Apache Pulsar is an open-source distributed messaging system that was built with heavy loads in mind. It’s a cloud-native platform with multiple unique streaming features that make it stand out among the crowd of DMS solutions. 

Apache Pulsar was originally designed by Yahoo back when Yahoo was at its prime to handle their massive amounts of data across all of their different platforms and services, which current technologies such as Kafka couldn’t handle. Afterward, it was donated to the Apache Foundation.

After its donation to the Apache Foundation, it has gone open-source, meaning that developers from all corners of the world are continually working to improve the software from the ground up. Since it was conceived with longevity in mind, it still stands the test of time and is on the brink of innovative DMS technology, receiving stable updates regularly. 

Tiered storage

One of the things that made Apache Pulsar unique in the first place is its unique tiered storage architecture. Writing and linearly rewriting disks takes up quite a lot of space and time, but by adding layers to the entire process, not only is the size minimized but the speed is as streamlined as possible.

This also mitigates more than a couple of problems that are present across other DMS solutions, mainly sourcing and replaying issues that increase costs and delay the output. 

Multi-tenancy

Multi-tenancy is a system that allows multiple people across all teams to access the same messaging system. The multi-tenancy allows for practically non-existent latency across all ‘tenants.’ Rather than giving every tenant a replica of the system, they all have access to a single system.

This operates through a cluster system. Each tenant is spread across clusters that have unique authentication and authorization schemes, allowing for better control. 

Geo-replication

The geo-replication is a game-changing feature of Apache Pulsar vs Google PubSub. It allows persistently stored message data to be spread across multiple clusters, streamlining the data flow within any Apache Pulsar instance. 

In essence, this means that different data can be distributed globally as long as the tenant is attached to the cluster in question. 

What is Google PubSub

Google Pub-Sub is another DMS solution developed by Google. It follows a slightly different approach when compared to Pulsar. Unlike Pulsar, which is open source and managed by the Apache Foundation and many contributing developers, Google PubSub is wholly owned, developed, and managed by Google.

With that being said, Google PubSub is known for its many APIs, all of which are very easy to use. The fact that it’s owned and managed by Google gives it a constant update stream, but patching any issues is a little slower than if it were open source. 

Regardless, Google PubSub is a widely used distributed messaging system that is best suited for smaller-scale applications. 

Asynchronous Broadcasting

 

Asynchronous broadcasting is a unique feature that allows Google PubSub Publishers and Subscribers to communicate asynchronously. Every aspect receives the designated piece of data at a predetermined time frame rather than instantaneously. 

This allows for more flexibility when working with a medium-sized system and eliminates the need for traditional RPCs.

Load Balancing

 

Load balancing is one of the more essential features of Google PubSub. With its built-in load balancing features, Google PubSub can ensure that no publisher or subscriber is overwhelmed at any point, keeping the flow of data smooth, consistent, and stable. If a load fails to transmute on one system, other systems can pick it up and process it automatically. 

Parallel Processing

 

Parallel processing is a built-in system that allows Google PubSub to distribute many with its unique features files across as many available publishers, allowing multiple publishers to work on different things within the same instance, ensuring smooth message distribution, compression, and data processing. 

Analyzing the Key Considerations Between the Two

 

Both Apache Pulsar and Google PubSub are very popular DMS solutions used by small and grand businesses alike. While the two share many similarities, they also have quite a bit of difference, making them better suited for different applications. 

First things first, and that’s the price. Google PubSub offers a free trial version, whereas Apache Pulsar doesn’t. Google PubSub also provides a far broader set of built-in integrations than Apache Pulsar, making it better suited for inexperienced users and smaller applications.

This is where the PubSubs upper hand ends. Apache Pulsar is open-source software, instantly giving it an edge for customization and scalability, which is integral for the future. Apache Pulsar can be built and modified to fit practically any corporate application and integrate almost anywhere. Furthermore, Apache Pulsar is better suited for handling both small and large amounts of data with its unique features. 

In the Apache Pulsar vs Google PubSub conundrum, while Google PubSub is an evidently high-end DMS solution, Apache Pulsar reigns supreme, as long as you use it right. 

Conclusion 

Apache Pulsar is a top-shelf solution for all distributed messaging needs. Its open-source nature dictates its infinite potential and maximum scalability. To get the most out of Apache Pulsar, you might want to consider a solution such as Pandio. Pandio offers state-of-the-art managed Pulsar solutions to help your business get the most out of this fantastic distributed messaging system. Don’t fret to contact us today and find out the full range of services we offer.

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