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Why Databend Always Outshines Snowflake for Real-Time Data

avatarDatabendLabsJul 7, 2025
Why Databend Always Outshines Snowflake for Real-Time Data

Databend always gives great real-time data speed and saves money. It is now the new leader for cloud analytics. Companies have saved up to 78% on hardware costs. They also saved 50% to 70% on storage costs by using Databend. In real life, Databend can handle over 100 billion player events each month. It does this with less than one second of delay. The table below shows these clear benefits:

Metric / BenefitDescription / Value
Hardware Cost SavingsUp to 78% reduction
Storage Cost Savings50% to 70% reduction
Query PerformanceReal-time analytics, answers in less than 1 second
Data Ingestion SpeedUp to 7 million rows per second

Databend’s cloud-native design gives real-time insights. It also helps businesses see real results.

Key Takeaways

  • Databend gives quick real-time data answers, often in under one second, even with lots of data. Companies save a lot of money with Databend. They use up to 78% less hardware and up to 70% less storage. Databend grows easily in the cloud. It can handle millions of events each second and does not slow down. The platform works well with popular tools. It uses SQL that many people already know. This makes data integration and moving data easy. Good planning and careful moving help teams avoid mistakes. Teams can get the best from Databend’s strong features.

Databend for Real-Time Data

Performance

Databend works really fast for groups that need quick analytics. It is built for the cloud and uses columnar storage. It also uses parallel processing to speed things up. This setup helps it search big old data sets faster. Companies get results quicker because Databend handles both batch and streaming data. One gaming company said their data loading and analysis got 10 times faster after switching. The table below shows how Databend Cloud and Snowflake compare in tests:

Benchmark ScenarioDatabend Cloud PerformanceSnowflake PerformancePerformance Gain
Cold RunFaster by 20%Baseline20% faster
Hot RunFaster by 10%Baseline10% faster

Databend’s serverless design lets it scale up by itself. This means you do not have to wait to add more power. Its smart query system keeps things quick, even with huge data sets. Groups can count on Databend for strong analytics and steady processing.

Low Latency

Databend is special because it has low latency. It can answer questions in less than one second. It does this even when working with billions of rows each month. This speed helps people make decisions right away. Businesses that need fast answers like Databend’s quick replies. The warehouse can handle up to 7 million rows every second. This makes it great for fast analytics and big computer jobs.

Tip: Low latency means users get answers fast, so teams can act quickly and beat others.

Scalability

Scalability is one of Databend’s best features. The cloud warehouse can grow easily by using cloud storage like Amazon S3. This lets Databend handle more data without slowing down. Its design keeps compute and storage separate. This helps it add more resources and keep data safe. The table below shows Databend’s scaling features:

Scalability AspectDescription
Peak Season Elastic ScalabilityGrows resources during busy times to keep things running well.
Banking Transactions HandlingManages billions of transactions daily and answers in less than a second.
Benchmark ComparisonsTPC-H and data tests show Databend is faster than Snowflake.
Architecture FeaturesKeeps compute and storage separate, so it can add resources and keep data safe.

Databend’s way of sharing computer work keeps things fast, even when lots of people use it. Stores and banks trust Databend to handle busy times without problems.

Cost-Effective Data Management

Databend is great for saving money on data. Companies have saved up to 78% on hardware and 70% on storage. It scales by itself, so people do not have to do as much work. This lowers costs. Databend is open-source, so companies are not stuck with one vendor. This gives them more control over their data. The warehouse uses cloud tools to make managing data easy and cheap for today’s analytics.

  • Databend works well with cloud storage, so it is cheaper than old databases.
  • It scales by itself and needs less manual work, but still runs fast.
  • Open-source means teams can change Databend to fit what they need.

Databend’s way of managing data helps groups get the most value from their analytics.

Easy Data Integration

Seamless Integration

Databend helps teams bring data together easily. Its cloud platform works with many popular tools. You can use Tableau, Power BI, and Apache Airflow without changing your setup. This saves both time and money when moving your data. Databend uses SQL that is like Snowflake’s, so you can use your old queries right away. It lets teams handle both batch and stream data in one place. You do not need extra tools for different data types.

  • Databend Cloud uses SQL like Snowflake, so you can keep your old queries and workflows.
  • It works well with tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Apache Airflow, so you do not need to change your work.
  • The platform is easy to learn because it has a simple interface and uses SQL, so training is quick.
  • Databend Cloud lets you work with both batch and stream data in one place, so you do not need many tools.
  • It can take in up to 10,000 rows of data every second, so your data moves fast and does not stop.
  • Tasks finish in less than a second, so you get answers from your data almost right away.
  • Databend is faster than Snowflake, so it helps teams work better with their data.

Note: Teams can get to their data fast and keep using their favorite tools. This makes moving to the cloud easy and smooth.

Workflow Compatibility

Databend lets people use all their SQL skills. Teams can get to their data with commands they already know. This makes it simple to copy what they did in Snowflake and keep things running. The platform can handle hard queries and joins. People do not need to learn new tools or languages. The tables below show how Databend matches up with other systems for working with data:

FeatureDatabendDatabricks
SQL CompatibilityFullANSI SQL on Spark
ArchitectureCloud-native, serverlessCluster-based
Elastic ScalingYesYes
Cost EfficiencyHighModerate
FeatureDatabendApache Druid
SQL CompatibilityFullDruid SQL (limited)
Query SupportComplex queries, joinsTime-series, aggregation
ArchitectureCloud-native, serverlessSpecialized, cluster-based
FeatureDatabendApache Spark
SQL CompatibilityFullSpark SQL
User AccessTraditional SQL usersProgramming-based
IntegrationSeamless with SQL workflowsRequires custom development

Databend is made so teams can get, use, and study their data easily. It works for both real-time and batch jobs, so it is a good pick for groups that want simple data integration.

Migration Steps

Planning

A good migration starts with a simple plan. Teams look at their data and write down all SQL jobs. They check for any error that could stop things or make them slow. Setting goals for speed and cost helps everyone know what to do. Teams should save a copy of all data before they begin. This way, if something goes wrong, nothing is lost.

Tip: Always try the migration in a safe place first. This helps teams find any sql hang issue or timeout before using it for real.

Data Transfer

Moving data from Snowflake to the new cloud needs care. Teams send data in small groups to stop timeout or connection timed out errors. They use safe ways to keep private data safe. While moving data, teams watch for any error that could stop the move. If a timeout or connection timed out happens, they start again to keep data safe. After moving, teams check for missing data or error messages.

Query Compatibility

Databend uses ANSI SQL and works with MySQL and ClickHouse wire protocols. This helps teams use their old SQL tools. Most SQL queries work without changes. One company moved almost 500 tables and 600 tasks. They checked for any sql hang issue, timeout, or error during the move. Databend’s materialized computation and query cache made things faster. The team used insert overwrite to break view links, which stopped timeout and error. This way, SQL jobs still worked and were easier to fix.

  • Databend’s cloud-native design keeps storage and compute apart, so it is easier to make SQL jobs better.
  • Teams got faster queries and saw fewer error messages after moving.

Optimization

After moving, teams make SQL jobs better for the new cloud. They look at logs for timeout, error, or connection timed out. Teams change settings to stop sql hang issue and make things faster. They use Databend’s query cache to lower timeout and error. Regular checks help find new error or timeout early. This keeps things running well and stops connection timed out problems.

StepCommon ErrorSolution
Data Exportoperation timeoutSplit data into smaller batches
Data Importconnection timed outUse stable network connections
Query Executionsql hang issueOptimize SQL and monitor logs
System MonitoringerrorSet up alerts and auto-restart

Note: Teams should write down every error, timeout, or connection timed out. This helps make future moves better and keeps data safe.

Results and Impact

Performance Gains

Databend works really fast for real-time analytics. Teams get answers in under one second, even with billions of rows. The Fuse Engine is built for the cloud and does not use disks. It can handle huge amounts of data, even petabytes. Databend can run over 10,000 queries every second for finance jobs. A big gaming company switched to Databend and finished moving in three weeks. Now, they process 100 billion rows each month without slowing down. Real-time ELT tasks finish in less than a second. This speed helps teams decide quickly and keeps things running well.

  • Handles huge workloads easily
  • Runs more than 10,000 queries each second
  • Real-time ELT tasks finish super fast
  • Migration finished in only three weeks

Teams can count on Databend to handle lots of data and give fast results.

Cost Savings

Companies save a lot of money with Databend. One gaming platform cut costs by 70% after leaving Snowflake. Hardware costs went down by up to 78%. Storage costs dropped by 50% to 70%. Automatic maintenance and zero-copy schema evolution mean less manual work. Time Travel and automated tasks lower extra work to almost nothing. These savings let teams spend more on growing and less on fixing things.

Cost AreaSavings Achieved
Operational Costs70% less
Hardware CostsUp to 78% less
Storage Costs50%–70% less

Automatic features and cloud design help teams save money and focus on their goals.

User Experience

Users see big changes after moving to Databend. Queries finish faster, and teams get answers right away. The platform works with both batch and streaming data, so no extra tools are needed. The simple interface and SQL support make it easy to use. Teams can keep using their old tools and ways of working, so the switch is easy. Real-time transactions across many tables keep data fresh and correct.

  • Fast answers to queries
  • Simple interface
  • Works with both batch and streaming data
  • Easy switch for workflows

Users feel more sure and get more done because they get data fast.

Business Value

Databend gives real business value. Companies get faster analytics and spend less money. They can handle more data without hiring more people. Automatic maintenance and smart features help businesses grow. Teams can work on new ideas instead of fixing old problems. Success stories show Databend helps companies reach their goals faster. The platform’s flexible and strong design helps real business success.

  • Helps quick business choices with real-time analytics
  • Lowers extra work for teams
  • Grows with the business using the cloud
  • Real success stories from big companies

Databend helps companies do better, not just with tech, but with real results in a fast world.

Lessons and Best Practices

Success Factors

Moving to a new cloud data warehouse works best with good planning. Teams that make a plan first do better. They list all their data sources and set clear goals for the business. They check and clean data before moving it to stop error. Using automation helps teams make fewer mistakes and finish faster. Many groups draw a map of how data will move before they start. This map shows where data goes and where error could happen.

Keeping data safe is also very important. Teams use encryption and set who can see what data. Training workers helps everyone use the new system the right way. Companies that use cloud storage that can grow handle big data without slowing down. Some use AI tools to get fast answers and stop data from being copied twice. These steps help teams get the most out of moving to the cloud.

Teams that set clear goals and get help from experts finish faster and see fewer error.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Teams often run into problems when moving data. One big mistake is not making a plan. Without a plan, teams can miss data or hit error that slow things down. Moving data too fast can cause connection problems or missing records. Some teams forget to check data after moving it, which can lead to error in reports.

Another problem is not checking if old systems work with the new cloud. Old systems might not fit and cause error or more work. If teams skip security, private data can get out. Not training workers can cause more error and confusion. If teams do not watch the move, they might not see error until it is too late.

PitfallImpactHow to Avoid
Skipping planningMissed data, more errorCreate a detailed blueprint
Rushing data transferIncomplete records, errorMove in small batches
Ignoring validationError in analytics and reportsValidate after transfer
Overlooking legacy systemsCompatibility error, extra workModernize or replace
Weak securityData exposure, compliance errorUse encryption and controls
No employee trainingMore error, slow adoptionProvide training sessions

Databend is great for real-time data and saving money. Companies get answers faster and spend less. Some important features are:

  • Made with Rust, so it is fast and reliable
  • Cloud design lets it grow or shrink easily
  • Uses vectorized queries and column storage to process data well
  • Keeps data correct and safe from problems
  • Works smoothly with cloud platforms

Groups that want better analytics and easy moving should try Databend for their next data tool.

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