An in-depth Comparison between Kafka and Message Queue
Mayank Patel
Aug 31, 2021
3 min read
Last updated Apr 18, 2024
Table of Contents
Types of Message Programming
Division of Subjects
Scalability and Availability
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Kafka is a pub-sub tool generally used for message processing, scaling, and efficient handling of large amounts of data.
On the other note, Java Message Service, also known as JMS, is a messaging service created for handling data of more complex systems based on enterprise integration patterns.
Both Kafka and JMS queue are considered as successful solutions and have helped different organizations to communicate effectively through internal teams and servers.
Our primary focus in this article is on Kafka vs java messaging service and how these tools differ from each other in detail.
Programming Style
One of the main differences between Kafka and java messaging services is their programming style. JMS runs on imperative programming style, while Kafka has a reactive programming style.
Content Integration
In the case of Kafka, its system arranges messages in the same order as they were sent from the partition level. But, in the case of JMS, such a provision does not exist, so you need to split the messages as needed.
Types of Message Programming
The second factor that proves the main differences between Kafka and java messaging service is the type of messages. JMS queue works on push type where the enterprise can send messages to their customers.
On the other hand, Kafka is a pull type message system in which customers can pull messages from the broker.
Filter method
In Apache Kafka, you cannot set filters for exact words at the broker level. If you want to set filters, you have to work at the application level in Kafka.
But, when it comes to Kafka vs JMS queue, you can set the filter desired by the JMS message selectors. This functionality reduces the additional steps of application-level filtering.
Routing system
Kafka enables a simple and easy routing system, while JMS offers quite a complex routing system due to the system integration design.
Storage
Messages are stored in Kafka for a specific period regardless of whether customers receive them. In Kafka vs JMS queue, JMS offers a disk or in-memory-based storage facility. And once the message is read, it is permanently deleted.
Queue
Apache Kafka does not allow you to queue, if you are considering Kafka vs JMS queue. The Pub-sub model is the only way to send messages. But with a JMS-based system, you can queue messages through its routing system.
Apache Kafka allows you to categorize functionality as independently split lugs. This ensures high throughput for Kafka. But, while in the case of JMS-based tools, the splitting is not done sequentially. In the case of JMS-based tools, it leads to throughput output.
Message Logs
Apache Kafka implements a mechanism that allows brokers to decide which message to read first in JMS. JMS uses the first-out approach due to its functionality. The ability and readability options are the important advantage of Apache Kafka, giving it an edge over JMS.
Scalability and Availability
From the above differences between Kafka and java messaging service, it is clear that Apache Kafka is more scalable than JMS. Also, Apache Kafka’s availability is high due to its ability to auto-replicate messages without compromising on simplicity.
Both Kafka and JMS are prominent message management solutions. However, it is always better to use more advanced platforms and architectures like Kafka.
Before deciding Kafka vs JMS queue and which product to use, it is important to consider the suitability of each use case.
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Mayank Patel
CEO
Mayank Patel is an accomplished software engineer and entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in the industry. He holds a B.Tech in Computer Engineering, earned in 2013.
Their initial setup was remarkably simple: a single Digital Ocean droplet with 512MB RAM. This single droplet housed the entire backend, including the database.
However, as Dukaan's popularity grew, so did their need for resources. They quickly outgrew the single droplet and had to venture into vertical and horizontal scaling. This initial phase was crucial in demonstrating the demand for their solution and paving the way for their next big step.
With the guidance of their early investors, Dukaan took the leap to AWS. Initially, they utilized AWS Activate Credits (Build Your Startup - AWS Startups) to get started. However, as they started spinning up more and more instances, they realized that their costs were skyrocketing. Their monthly bill soon reached a staggering $70-80k.
This posed a significant problem for Dukaan. Their goal was to provide an affordable solution for small shopkeepers, but their own costs were making it difficult to do so. They needed to find a way to reduce their costs without sacrificing performance or scalability.
This challenge would lead them to their next major decision: transitioning to Bare Metal infrastructure.
Before delving into the solution, you all must know about AWS and Bare Metal in brief
The Great Debate: AWS vs Bare Metal
Cost, Performance, and Choosing the Right Fit
In the dynamic world of cloud computing, two prominent options reign supreme: AWS, the behemoth of cloud services, and Bare Metal, the rising star of dedicated hardware. Both offer distinct advantages and cater to different needs, making the choice between them a critical decision for businesses of all sizes.
Understanding AWS:
AWS stands for Amazon Web Services, a comprehensive suite of on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs provided by Amazon. It offers a vast array of services, including:
Compute: Virtual machines, containers, and serverless computing.
Storage: Object storage, file storage, and block storage.
Databases: Relational databases, NoSQL databases, and in-memory databases.
Networking: Virtual private clouds, content delivery networks, and load balancing.
Management: Tools for automating, monitoring, and managing your cloud infrastructure.
Now, AWS introduced eight new Amazon EC2 bare metal instances in October 2023.
Amazon EC2 C7i, M7i, R7i and R7iz bare metal instances are available. Amazon EC2 M7i, C7i, and R7i instances are powered by custom 4th generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, —available only on AWS — which offer up to 15% better performance over comparable x86-based Intel processors utilized by other cloud providers. Amazon EC2 R7iz instances are the fastest Sapphire Rapids based instances in the cloud with an all-core turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz.
Bare Metal refers to dedicated physical servers rented from a cloud provider. Unlike virtualized environments like AWS, you have exclusive access to the entire hardware resources of the server. This provides several benefits:
High Performance: Dedicated hardware translates to faster processing speeds, lower latency, and improved responsiveness, making it ideal for resource-intensive workloads.
Greater Control: You have complete control over the hardware and software configuration, allowing for customization and optimization to meet specific needs.
Security: Dedicated hardware minimizes the risk of security breaches and vulnerabilities associated with shared resources.
Comparing the Titans:
Now, let's delve into the key differences between AWS and Bare Metal:
Performance:
AWS: Performance varies depending on the chosen service and instance type. Virtualization adds overhead, impacting performance to some extent.
Bare Metal: Offers superior performance due to dedicated hardware resources and minimal virtualization overhead.
Cost:
AWS: Costs depend on usage, with pricing models based on resources consumed. Pay-as-you-go plans offer flexibility, but sustained usage can be expensive.
Bare Metal: Costs are fixed monthly fees based on server specifications. This can be cost-effective for predictable workloads with high resource demands.
Scalability:
AWS: Offers elastic scaling, allowing you to quickly adjust resources up or down based on demand. This is ideal for dynamic workloads.
Bare Metal: Scaling requires adding or removing physical servers, which can be slower and more complex.
Management:
AWS: Managed services offer a hands-off approach, with AWS handling server management and maintenance.
Bare Metal: Requires more hands-on management, including server configuration, patching, and maintenance.
Who Should Choose AWS?
Businesses with unpredictable workloads requiring flexible scaling.
Companies new to cloud computing seeking a managed service solution.
Organizations with diverse needs requiring a wide range of cloud services.
Who Should Choose Bare Metal?
Businesses with predictable workloads with high resource demands.
Organizations requiring maximum performance and low latency.
Companies prioritizing deep control and customization over their infrastructure.
Ultimately, the choice between AWS and Bare Metal depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Carefully assess your workload requirements, budget, and technical expertise before making a decision. For some, AWS's flexibility and scalability might be the perfect fit. Others might find Bare Metal's raw performance and control to be the deciding factor.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option, you can make an informed decision that empowers your business to reach its full potential.
As you all now know about AWS and Bare Metal, let's get back to the solution.
Mydukaan's Bold Move: Embracing Bare Metal and Achieving Cost-Efficiency
Dukaan's team understood that their escalating AWS costs were unsustainable. They needed a solution that would provide the necessary performance and scalability without breaking the bank. After careful analysis and consideration, they decided to embark on a bold journey: transitioning their entire infrastructure to Bare Metal servers.
This was a daring move. Bare Metal offered several potential benefits, including:
Reduced Costs: Bare Metal servers typically offer lower long-term costs compared to cloud services, particularly for predictable workloads.
Improved Performance: Dedicated hardware resources provide faster processing speeds and lower latency, leading to a more responsive platform.
Greater Control: Mydukaan would have complete control over their hardware and software configuration, enabling them to optimize performance and security.
However, transitioning to Bare Metal also presented some challenges:
Increased Complexity: Managing Bare Metal servers requires more technical expertise compared to managed cloud services.
Limited Scalability: Scaling Bare Metal infrastructure can be slower and more complex than scaling cloud resources.
Upfront Investment: Bare Metal servers require upfront investment in hardware, unlike the pay-as-you-go model of cloud services.
Despite the challenges, Mydukaan was determined to find a solution. They meticulously planned and strategized their migration, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime. They also implemented a hybrid approach, leveraging the strengths of both Bare Metal and cloud services.
The results were remarkable. By migrating to Bare Metal, Mydukaan achieved:
70% Cost Reduction: Their monthly expenses dropped from a staggering $90,000 to a mere $1,500, significantly reducing their operational budget.
Enhanced Performance: Bare Metal servers led to faster response times, improved database performance, and a more user-friendly platform for both shopkeepers and customers.
Greater Security: Having complete control over their hardware allowed Mydukaan to implement enhanced security measures, protecting their data and infrastructure.
Increased Flexibility: The hybrid approach provided them with the flexibility to scale their resources up or down based on their needs, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.
Mydukaan's transition to Bare Metal serves as a powerful example of how businesses can overcome cost challenges and achieve significant savings by exploring alternative solutions. Their story demonstrates the importance of careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a willingness to embrace innovation. By embracing Bare Metal, Mydukaan not only saved money but also unlocked a new era of performance, control, and scalability, empowering them to continue their mission of empowering small businesses worldwide.
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