By Chris Latimer, vice president, product management, DataStax

There’s a lot of talk about the importance of streaming data and event-driven architectures right now. You might have heard of it, but do you really know why it’s so important to a lot of enterprises? Streaming technologies unlock the ability to capture insights and take instant action on data that’s flowing into your organization; they’re a critical building block for developing applications that can respond in real-time to user actions, security threats, or other events. In other words, they’re a key part of building great customer experiences and driving revenue.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what streaming technologies do, and why they’re so important to enterprises.

Data in motion

Organizations have gotten pretty good at creating a relatively complete view of so-called “data at rest” — the kind of information that’s often captured in databases, data warehouses, and even data lakes to be used immediately (in “real time”) or to fuel applications and analysis later.

Increasingly, data that’s driven by activities, actions, and events that happen in real-time across an organization pours in from mobile devices, retail systems, sensor networks, and telecommunications call-routing systems.

While this “data in motion” might ultimately get captured in a database or other store, it’s extremely valuable while it’s still on the move. For a bank, data in motion might enable it to detect fraud in real time and act upon it instantly. Retailers can make product recommendations based on a consumer’s searching or purchasing history, the instant someone visits a web page or clicks on a particular item.

Consider Overstock, a U.S. online retailer. It must consistently deliver engaging customer experiences and derive revenue from in-the-moment monetization opportunities. In other words, Overstock sought the ability to make lightning-fast decisions based on data that was arriving in real-time (generally, brands have 20 seconds to connect with customers before they move on to another website).

“It’s like a self-driving car,” says Thor Sigurjonsson, Overstock’s head of data engineering. “If you wait for feedback, you’re going to drive off the road.”

The event-driven architecture

To maximize the value of their data as it’s created — instead of waiting hours, days, or even longer to analyze it once it’s at rest—Overstock needed a streaming and messaging platform, which would enable them employ real-time decision-making to deliver personalized experiences and recommend products likely to be well-received by customers at the perfect time (really fast, in other words).

Data messaging and streaming is a key part of an event-driven architecture, which is a software architecture or programming approach built around the capture, communication, processing, and persistence of events—mouse clicks, sensor outputs, and the like.

Processing streams of data involves taking actions on a series of data that originates from a system that continuously creates “events.” The ability to query this non-stop stream and find anomalies, recognize that something important has happened, and act on it quickly and in a meaningful way, is what streaming technology enables.

This is in contrast to batch processing, where an application would store a data after intaking it, process it, and then store the processed result or forward it to another application or tool. Processing might not start until after, say, 1000 data points have been collected. That’s too slow for the kind of applications that require reactive engagement at the point of interaction.

It’s worth pausing to break that idea down:  

• The point of interaction could be a system making an API call, or a mobile app.
• Engagement is defined as adding value to the interaction. It could be giving a tracking number to a customer after they place an order, a product recommendation based on a user’s browsing history, or a billing authorization or service upgrade.
• Reactive means the engagement action happens in real-time or near-real-time; this translates to hundreds of milliseconds for human interactions, while machine-to-machine interactions that occur in an energy utility’s sensor network, for example, might not require such a near-real-time response.

When message queue isn’t enough

Some enterprises have recognized that they need to derive value from their data-in-motion and have assembled their own event-driven architectures from a variety of technologies, including message-oriented middleware systems like Java messaging service (JMS) or message queue (MQ) platforms.

But these platforms were built on a fundamental premise that the data they processed was transient and should be immediately discarded once each message had been delivered. This essentially throws away a highly valuable asset: data that’s identifiable as arriving at a particular point in time. Time-series information is critical for applications that involve asynchronous analysis, like machine learning. Data scientists can’t build machine learning  models without it.  A modern streaming system needs to not only pass events along from one service to another, but also store them in a way that retains their value or usage later.

The system also needs to be able to scale to manage terabytes of data and millions of messages per second. The old MQ systems are not designed to do either of these.

Pulsar and Kafka: The old guard and the unified, next-gen challenger

As I touched upon above, there are a lot of choices available when it comes to messaging and streaming technology.

They include various open-source projects like RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, and NATS, along with proprietary solutions such as IBM MQ or Red Hat AMQ. Then there are the two well-known, unified platforms for handling real-time data: Apache Kafka, a very popular technology that has become almost synonymous with streaming; and Apache Pulsar, a newer streaming and message queuing platform.

Both of these technologies were designed to handle the high throughput and scalability that many data-driven applications require.

Kafka was developed by LinkedIn to facilitate data communication between different services at the job networking company and became an open source project in 2011. Over the years it’s become a standard for many enterprises looking for ways to derive value from real-time data.

Pulsar was developed by Yahoo! to solve messaging and data problems faced by applications like Yahoo! Mail; it became a top-level open source project in 2018. While still catching up to Kafka in popularity, it has more features and functionality. And it carries a very important distinction: MQ solutions are solely messaging platforms, and Kafka only handles an organization’s streaming needs—Pulsar handles both of these needs for an organization, making it the only unified platform available.

Pulsar can handle real-time, high-rate use cases like Kafka, but it’s also a more complete, durable, and reliable solution when compared to the older platform. To have streaming and queuing (an asynchronous communications protocol that enables applications to talk to one another), for example, a Kafka user would need to bolt on something like RabbitMQ or other solutions. Pulsar, on the other hand, can handle many of the use cases of a traditional queuing system without add-ons.

Pulsar carries other advantages over Kafka, including higher throughput, better scalability, and geo-replication, which is particularly important when a data center or cloud region fails. Geo-replication enables an application to publish events to another data center without interruption, preventing the app from going down—and preventing an outage from affecting end users. (Here’s a more technical comparison of Kafka and Pulsar).

Wrapping up

In the case of Overstock, Pulsar was chosen as the retailer’s streaming platform. With it, the company built what its head of engineering Sigurjonsson describes as an “integrated layer of data and connected processes governed by a metadata layer supporting deployment and utilization of integrated reusable data across all environments.”

In other words, Overstock now has a way to understand and act upon real-time data organization-wide, enabling the company to impress its customers with magically fast, relevant offers and personalized experiences.

As a result, teams can reliably transform data in flight in a way that is easy to use and requires less data engineering. This makes it that much easier to delight their customers—and ultimately drive more revenue.

To learn more about DataStax, visit us here.

About Chris Latimer:

Chris is a technology executive whose career spans over twenty years in a variety of roles including enterprise architecture, technical presales, and product management. He is currently Vice President of Product Management at DataStax where he is focused on building the company’s product strategy around cloud messaging and event streaming. Prior to joining DataStax, Chris was a senior product manager at Google where he focused on APIs and API Management in Google Cloud. Chris is based near Boulder, CO, and when not working, he is an avid skier and musician and enjoys the never-ending variety of outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer with his family.

Technology

Cable Vs. Streaming, What’s the Real Difference? 

How we consume media has transformed in the last two decades. As an ISP, we at Race Communications have been at the forefront of this evolution. With its scheduled programming and bulky set-top boxes, the once-dominant cable TV is steadily facing competition from the sleek, on-demand world of streaming services. The rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ has revolutionized our viewing habits, prompting many to question cable vs streaming – which is the better choice?  

While both have their merits, the declining popularity of traditional cable and the increasing prominence of streaming TV signifies a changing preference among viewers. Cost, flexibility, content variety, and user experience are pivotal in this decision-making process.  

Join us as we journey through the intricacies of streaming TV versus cable and discover what truly sets them apart. 

The Evolution of Streaming 

Streaming services, though seemingly omnipresent today, were once fledgling platforms fighting for a slice of the media consumption pie. Their growth and transformation over the years is nothing short of remarkable.   

In 1998, Netflix started as a DVD-by-mail rental business. However, recognizing the potential of the internet and consumers’ changing behavior, they pivoted to streaming. This evolution from physical media rentals to online streaming was a game-changer.   

Viewers no longer had to wait for a DVD in the mail or a scheduled TV show time. With on-demand content, the power shifted into the hands of the viewers. Now, people could watch what they wanted, when they wanted, and often, how much they wanted.  

Following Netflix’s lead, a cascade of other services emerged. Hulu, initially a joint venture between major TV networks, began offering recent TV show episodes online. Disney+ has already carved out a massive niche, leveraging its vast library of beloved movies and shows to a captive audience. Amazon Prime Video, with its blend of original content and licensed films, and platforms like HBO Max have also made significant impacts, further diversifying the choices available to viewers. 

The Rise of Binge-Watching 

One of the most revolutionary changes brought about by these streaming platforms was the concept of “binge-watching.” Prior to the advent of streaming services, the idea of consuming an entire TV show season in one or two sittings was virtually unheard of.  

Traditional TV had us hooked to weekly episodes, creating a sense of anticipation. With streaming, however, entire seasons were released at once, leading to weekend binge sessions. This dramatic shift meant that viewers no longer had to tune in to whatever was being broadcast on TV at a given time. Instead, they had the entire content library of a streaming service at their fingertips, ready to be devoured at their own pace. 

 

 

Detailed Comparison of Cable vs. Streaming

 

1. Cost

For many, the allure of “cutting the cord” with traditional cable was the initial promise of substantial savings. However, as streaming services have diversified and added premium tiers, the cost equation has become more complex.

Take Hulu pricing, for instance. While it starts at an affordable $7.99/month, opting for Hulu + Live TV catapults the price to a more formidable $76.99/month. This stark difference emphasizes the importance of understanding precisely what package aligns with your viewing needs.

Moreover, this figure represents the cost of a single streaming service. Many households subscribe to multiple platforms, and when you stack services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, the monthly expenditure can rival or surpass traditional cable bills.

Cable, on the other hand, often offers the advantage of bundling. By combining your TV, internet, and sometimes phone services, there’s potential for significant savings. There are typically tiers in cable packages, from basic to premium, and understanding your consumption needs will help you ascertain the real value.

2. Channels

Channel variety is another pivotal factor to consider. Cable, with its long-standing legacy, boasts a comprehensive channel list. Its expansive offerings cater to a diverse audience, making it especially suitable for families with different entertainment preferences. Such breadth is a testament to the deep-rooted relationships cable providers have fostered with networks.

For example, the depth and variety of coverage offered by Regional Sports Networks on cable are often unparalleled. This localized touch is especially significant for those who follow regional sports events and teams.

While inclusive of many major networks, streaming services often have a more limited channel spread. Consumers subscribe to multiple platforms to truly replicate the extensive range of cable. For example, parents might opt for a dedicated kids’ streaming service while subscribing to another for adult content. This piecemeal approach can escalate costs, potentially diminishing the perceived savings.

3. Contracts

The realm of contracts presents another dimension to this comparison. Traditional cable providers often require consumers to commit to a set period ranging from a few months to a couple of years. While some providers, like Race, offer the flexibility of contract-free services, many others might entice customers with promotional offers that require a longer-term commitment.

Streaming services have historically thrived on a month-to-month model, allowing subscribers to opt in or out as they please. However, the landscape is changing. Most platforms now give options for annual subscriptions, often at discounted rates. Such deals can offer substantial savings, but they also indicate a shift towards more binding commitments in the streaming world.

4. Quality

The quality of your viewing experience is paramount, regardless of the medium you choose. Each offers its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks.

As a broadcast medium, cable typically provides a consistent and reliable viewing experience. The data transportation via coaxial or fiber cables means minimal interruptions, meaning you can enjoy your favorite shows without worrying about sudden breaks or lags. The quality here remains steadfast, unaffected by most external factors, save for more extreme conditions like power outages.

Streaming services, however, present a different narrative. While they offer modern advancements like 4K streaming, their performance is intrinsically linked to the quality of your internet connection. You need a reliable connection, ideally through fiber internet, to enjoy streaming. Slower connections might result in buffering issues, potential lags, or dips in video and audio quality. It’s worth noting, though, that with the right infrastructure, the difference in quality between streaming and cable becomes almost negligible to the average viewer.

5. Cable vs Streaming: Experience

Regarding the overall user experience, both cable and streaming have evolved to provide viewers with added convenience and flexibility.

Streaming services, known for their adaptability, allow users to access content from virtually anywhere. Whether you’re on your couch, in a café, or traveling abroad, all you need is a compatible device, the service’s app, and a stable internet connection. This portability is one of the primary reasons behind the meteoric rise of streaming platforms.

However, cable TV, understanding the need to innovate, has been making strides in this domain. Many providers now offer dedicated apps, so subscribers can stream their favorite content on the go. This adaptability narrows the experience gap between traditional cable and modern streaming services.

Additionally, both mediums have embraced features that today’s consumers have come to expect. On-demand content, the ability to pause and resume shows, personalized recommendations, and DVR capabilities have become standard across the board. The focus, now more than ever, is on enhancing user engagement, intuitive interface, and curating content that aligns with individual viewer preferences.

Streaming vs. Cable: Making the Right Choice 

To sum it up, while cable provides a stable, comprehensive, and often localized experience, streaming offers flexibility, personalized content, and the freedom of commitment-free viewing. The optimal choice often boils down to individual preferences and specific entertainment priorities. 

Here are a few insights to help you finalize your decision:

 

• For households with varied interests or larger families, the comprehensive channel lists provided by cable TV could be the ideal solution. It offers something for everyone, from the latest sports events to beloved classic movies.

   

• Streaming platforms are viable if you’re seeking a more pocket-friendly entertainment solution or prioritize flexibility over a broad channel range. Y

  ou only pay for what you truly value.

   

• A pivotal factor influencing the streaming experience is your

  type of internet connection

  . For areas with inconsistent internet service, cable remains a steadfast choice.

   

• The digital-first nature of streaming services allows them to provide a tailored viewing experience, often curating content based on your watching habits.

   

At the end of the day, your choice between cable and streaming should resonate with your viewing habits, technological comfort, budget, and content you value most. 

Considering a switch or eager to dive into the world of high-quality cable? Reach out to our specialists at 877-722-3833 or drop an inquiry. We’re here to help you align your entertainment choices with your needs.