What is Data Warehouse Software?

Data warehouse software gives users a processing pipeline for large volumes of data from one or more sources. Data warehouse software assists with the extracting, transforming, and loading (ETL) processes of warehousing data. Data warehouse software automates these tasks and autonomously standardizes data for proper storage. Data warehouse software also lets users observe, evaluate, and analyze data in real time.

Data warehouse software allows users to dynamically store, access, and search data across multiple sources from one platform. This allows analysts and data science teams to work more efficiently because it lets them handle and report on information from multiple programs, software, AI, or other assets. Data warehouse software also makes the management of historical data easy, as it allows archival data to be standardized, modernized, and searchable from multiple access points.

Data warehouse software can be thought of as a broadly applicable type of Data Integration Tool. Because Data Integration Tools appear to require more nuanced direction on the part of the user, they are typically used for internal data standardization, e.g. enterprises with proprietary assets. Data warehouse software, on the other hand, can readily interface with a wide variety of sources on behalf of the user, making them useful for organizations that work with multiple third-party platforms.

Data Warehouse Software Features

The most common data warehouse software features are:

Data extraction, transformation, and load (ETL) assistance
Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data ingestion
Automated data blending and type conversion
Automated linear and horizontal scalability
Automated data backup and timestamping
Automated data syncing
API libraries and integration
Schema management
Data lineage management
Live monitoring and data performance visualization
Workload classification
SQL and NoSQLquerying support
Reporting and analysis features
Data encryption
Customizable UIs
Customizable fault tolerance
Knowledge databases

Data Warehouse Software Comparison

When choosing the best data warehouse software for you, consider the following:

On-premise vs. cloud storage. Choosing a data warehouse software for should start with whether you want to employ a cloud-based or on-premises solution. Cloud-based solutions are low-cost, highly scalable, and do not require hardware or servers to operate, while on-premises solutions grant greater degrees of data control and security at the expense of high maintenance costs. Some vendors offer a hybrid deployment option for users who prefer to have both options available to them.

Data sources. Choosing the best data warehouse software product may depend on the types of data sources you use. The individual compatibility of streaming applications, the Internet of Things, databases, CRMs, accounting software, and other sources needs to be considered, as does the data warehouse software’s ability to combine, extract, and access data from multiple sources at once. Snowflake has a wide array of native connectors for Python and Spark, making it a suitable warehouse for app developers. If you anticipate a large number of data sources reaching into the hundreds, Amazon Redshift has support for virtually unlimited number of data queries without compromising data transmission speed.

Software deployment time. Depending on the product you choose and its associated features, fully integrating data warehouse software can be a lengthy process. The average time of implementation is about 20 weeks, with probably 9 weeks at the earliest completion rate. This is because the warehouse needs to be carefully integrated so that data integrity is not compromised. Each vendor’s implementation process varies, so they should be contacted directly about this process.

Regulation compliance. You’ll want to ensure that the data warehousesSoftware you choose allows you to comply with industry-specific or governmental regulations. Tools such as user authentication, data access controls, end-to-end data encryption, and dynamic data masking are among the many tools that you can use to this end, but be sure to consult with the vendors about your specific compliance concerns.

Pricing Information

Data warehouse software pricing can depend on a variety of factors, such as ongoing data computing, data storage volume, and query loads. Some vendors offer free plans with limited storage features. Pricing plans dynamically adjust to the needs of a business, so vendors should be contacted directly to craft a personalized plan.

More Resources

The following resources can help you to understand your data warehouse software needs:

Structured vs. Unstructured Data: Key Differences

Current Generation	$0.25 - $13.04¹
Previous Generation	$0.25 - $4.08¹
Redshift Spectrum	$5.00²
Redshift Managed Storage	$0.24³

Amazon EMR

Amazon Redshift

Amazon EMR

Amazon Redshift

Amazon EMR

Amazon Redshift

Amazon EMR

Amazon Redshift

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Amazon Redshift

Likelihood to Recommend

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Amazon Redshift

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Amazon Redshift

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Free Trial

Free/Freemium Version

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Entry-level set up fee?

Starting Price

Amazon EMR Editions & Modules

Additional Pricing Details

General

Free Trial

Free/Freemium Version

Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Entry-level set up fee?

Starting Price

Amazon Redshift Editions & Modules

Edition

Additional Pricing Details

Usability

Amazon EMR

Amazon Redshift

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Amazon EMR

Amazon Redshift

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Amazon Redshift

Contract Terms and Pricing Model

Amazon EMR

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Amazon Redshift

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