SQL Server Integration Services vs Hevo

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Our analysts compared SQL Server Integration Services vs Hevo based on data from our 400+ point analysis of ETL Tools, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a data integration tool built within Microsoft SQL Server. It excels at orchestrating data movement and transformation tasks between diverse sources and destinations, making it ideal for data warehousing, ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, and database management in Windows environments. Users praise its visual workflow editor, robust data transformation capabilities, and seamless integration with other Microsoft tools. Additionally, SSIS offers built-in security features and scalability for handling large datasets. However, its reliance on the Microsoft ecosystem, limited open-source compatibility, and potentially complex learning curve can be drawbacks. Pricing is part of the SQL Server license, ranging from affordable Express editions to more expensive Enterprise versions depending on user needs and server configurations. Overall, SSIS is a powerful and cost-effective option for organizations heavily invested in the Microsoft suite and primarily focused on Windows server environments. For those seeking open-source flexibility or broader platform compatibility, alternative data integration tools may be worth exploring.

Pros:
  • Visual workflow
  • Strong data transformations
  • Microsoft integration
  • Built-in security
  • Scalable for large volumes
Cons:
  • Windows only
  • Limited open source
  • Steep learning curve
  • Pricing with SQL Server
  • Closed-source ecosystem
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Hevo is a fully managed end-to-end data pipeline service for enterprises of all sizes. Businesses can glean proprietary insights from disparate sources that include live data from streaming devices. With its no-code interface and automated workflows, data teams can integrate business information for reporting and analytics.

It enables running minimum-impact data workflows, setting aside erroneous events and anomalous records for redressal, then assimilating them directly into the pipeline. The vendor offers a 14-day free trial while providing a few free SaaS sources to create data pipelines. Users of the Free plan have access to both free and paid sources.

Pros:
  • Cloud-based, low overhead
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Wide range of connectors
  • Cost-effective for basic needs
  • Automated data refresh
Cons:
  • Limited customization options
  • Not ideal for complex needs
  • Scalability concerns
  • Limited data transformations
  • Limited open source integration
  • Pricing can increase with usage
  • Vendor lock-in concerns
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$300 Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$49 Free, monthly, quote-based
Get a free price quote
Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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Product Insights

  • Maximize ROI: Performs complex transformations without needing a staging area. Persists data temporarily to a native raw format file using the file system. 
  • Connect to Data Sources: Draws data from Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, Oracle, HP Vertica, MySQL, MongoDB and OData. Pull data from repositories that can’t be sourced directly like FTP, HTTP, MSMQ, Analysis Services and Server Management Objects (SMO). 
  • Integrate with SAP Products: Natively accesses the application model and relevant metadata in SAP Business Suite offerings. Reads data based on programming languages such as ABAP, IDocs, BAPI, RFC and SAP extractors. 
  • Extend As Needed: Write code to define connection objects, log providers, transforms and tasks. 
  • Maintain Data Quality: Handles data from heterogeneous data sources within the same package. Monitor errors through a variety of logging and auditing options. 
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  • Data Source Connectivity: Integrates with databases, SaaS systems, cloud storage, SDKs and streaming services to analyze data in multiple formats. Draws data from more than 100 sources with pre-built connectors. 
  • Deploy Seamlessly: Set up pipelines in a few minutes through a simple and interactive UI. Analyze source systems to optimize data integration calls without compromising data quality and accuracy. Replicate data utilizing minimum resources – incrementally update assets as new data comes in. 
  • Scales As Data Grows: Scales horizontally as data volumes and speed increase. Handles millions of records per minute with minimum latency, including spikes in incoming data volume. 
  • Secure Data: Protect digital assets with end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication. The system is SOC II, GDPR and HIPAA compliant. 
  • Get Round-the-Clock Support: Reach out to vendor support for technical assistance through chat and email. 
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  • Big Data Support: Connects to new, in-demand big data sources like databases, systems, files and unstructured content. Access mainframe sources and captured data changes in real time. Expand cloud support for big data with Microsoft Azure, Impala, Cassandra, OData and Apache Hive.
  • Import/Export Wizard: Move data from a variety of source types to disparate destination types, including text files and other SQL Server instances. Create packages that move data across systems seamlessly, without transformations. 
  • Build Integration Packages: Create and maintain integration packages through the SSIS Designer. Deploy the package and view the execution status at run time. Add functionality to packages through dialog boxes and windows. Configure the development environment through SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). 
  • Built-in Data Transformations: Provides aggregation, pivot, unpivot, cache transform, fuzzy lookup, data conversion, data mining query and partition processing. Leverage a wide range of transform capabilities like fuzzy logic, data profiling, data and text mining and direct insert to SSAS. 
  • Secure Business Data: Provides threat and vulnerability mitigation, and access control. Sign packages with digital certificates that ensure customers open and run packages only from trusted sources. 
  • Precedence Constraints: Control task runs by defining precedence constraints. Connect tasks to control the workflow and configure to work based on an SSIS expression or the status of the preceding job. 
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  • Data Modeling: Do more with data – create data models through a simple, visual interface and schedule to run at specific times. Ensure digital assets are always analysis-ready through materialized views within the data warehouse. 
  • Automation: Automatically manages all future data-related tasks in the pipeline – no need for ETL scripts and cron jobs. Autonomously identifies and fixes any errors detected. Ensure data flows smoothly to data repositories – detects schema changes in incoming data and replicates in destination stores. 
  • Live Monitoring: Get intelligent alerts about data sync jobs, delays and errors directly from the UI. Monitor all system logs in one place with Cloud Watch. View as data flows from sources to data warehouses. 
  • Exception Handling: Ensures no data is lost — hosts erroneous events in the replay queue and issues alerts simultaneously. Scans the replay queue for any error fixtures every few minutes, then automatically ingests the events back into the pipeline. 
  • Anomaly Detection: Spots anomalies in incoming data and notifies data teams instantly. Ensures analytics processes aren’t impacted – sets aside affected records for corrections. A fault-tolerant architecture prevents data loss in case of pipeline failures. 
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Product Ranking

#8

among all
ETL Tools

#28

among all
ETL Tools

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Analyst Rating Summary

90
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Data Quality
Data Transformation
Platform Security
Metadata Management
Workflow Management
Performance and Scalability
Metadata Management
Data Delivery
Data Sources and Targets Connectivity
Platform Capabilities

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

SQL Server Integration Services
Hevo
+ Add Product + Add Product
Data Delivery Data Quality Data Sources And Targets Connectivity Data Transformation Metadata Management Platform Capabilities Workflow Management 88 100 76 100 93 0 91 93 83 90 81 96 86 84 0 25 50 75 100
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we're gathering data
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Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

we're gathering data
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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 503 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 83 reviews
84%
of users recommend this product

SQL Server Integration Services has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 84% when considering 503 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

94%
of users recommend this product

Hevo has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 94% when considering 83 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

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4.7 (21)
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4.67 (42)
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4.8 (20)
4.3 (279)
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4.1 (224)
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Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated SQL Server Integration Services and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Data Transformation.

Data Transformation Award

Hevo stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Visual Workflow: Drag-and-drop interface simplifies complex data flows, making integration tasks intuitive and manageable, even for users without extensive coding experience.
Robust Data Transformations: Cleanses, transforms, and validates data to ensure accuracy and consistency before integration, improving data quality and trust in downstream analytics.
Microsoft Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft tools and platforms like SQL Server and Azure, streamlining data workflows within existing infrastructure and reducing the need for additional software.
Scalability and Performance: Handles large datasets efficiently with parallel processing and optimization techniques, minimizing processing time and ensuring smooth data integration for growing data volumes.
Built-in Security: Supports encryption, data masking, and role-based access controls for secure data handling and compliance with industry regulations, providing peace of mind and reducing security risks.
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Effortless Data Integration: Pre-built connectors and user-friendly interface simplify data extraction from diverse sources without complex coding, ideal for non-technical users.
Automated Data Pipelines: Schedule data refresh automatically and ensure timely updates in your target destination, reducing manual intervention and improving data freshness.
Cloud-Based Scalability: Serverless architecture automatically scales to accommodate growing data volumes without infrastructure management, offering flexibility and cost-efficiency.
Cost-Effective for Basic Needs: Free tier and tiered pricing plans cater to various data volumes and budgets, making Hevo an attractive option for startups and small businesses.
Actionable Data Insights: Monitoring tools and alerts provide real-time visibility into pipeline performance and data quality, enabling proactive troubleshooting and informed decision-making.
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Limited Open Source: Relies heavily on Microsoft technologies and lacks extensive open-source integrations, potentially restricting customization and community support compared to more open platforms.
Steep Learning Curve: While the visual interface is helpful, mastering complex data flows and transformations can require significant training and experience, especially for users unfamiliar with the platform.
Windows Only: Limited to Windows environments, excluding non-Microsoft operating systems like Linux or macOS, hindering platform flexibility and potentially requiring additional infrastructure investment.
Closed-Source Ecosystem: Limited transparency into internal algorithms and processes can make troubleshooting and debugging complex issues challenging, requiring specialized knowledge or relying on Microsoft support.
Cost Tied to SQL Server: Pricing depends on the chosen SQL Server edition, potentially increasing costs for organizations already invested in other database solutions or needing only basic data integration functionalities.
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Customization Constraints: While pre-built connectors are convenient, advanced data manipulation needs often require more scripting and transformation options, pushing users beyond Hevo's capabilities.
Scalability Concerns for Large Data: Handling massive datasets can lead to performance issues or limitations, particularly with complex file processing, raising concerns for organizations with rapidly growing data volumes.
Vendor Lock-in Potential: Proprietary data formats and limited open-source integration might complicate migration to other platforms in the future, making it less flexible for organizations with long-term growth plans.
Pay-as-you-go Cost Fluctuations: Unpredictable data usage can lead to unexpected charges under the pay-as-you-go model, requiring careful monitoring and potentially exceeding budget limitations.
Limited Community Support: Compared to open-source alternatives, Hevo's smaller community can offer less troubleshooting support and resource availability for specific use cases.
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User reviews of SQL Server Integration Services paint a contrasting picture. Proponents praise its intuitive visual workflow, robust data transformation capabilities, and seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem. This makes it ideal for organizations already invested in Microsoft tools and requiring efficient data movement within Windows environments. The built-in security features and scalability for handling large datasets are further pluses, offering peace of mind and ensuring smooth performance for growing data volumes. However, critics point to its heavy reliance on Microsoft technologies and limited open-source compatibility as major drawbacks. This can restrict customization and community support compared to more open platforms like Talend or Apache Airflow. The steep learning curve and Windows-only limitation can also be hurdles, requiring dedicated training and potentially hindering platform flexibility. Additionally, the closed-source nature can make troubleshooting complex issues challenging. Finally, pricing tied to SQL Server editions may not be cost-effective for organizations needing only basic data integration functionalities or using other database solutions. Ultimately, SQL Server Integration Services shines for its robust data handling, intuitiveness, and Microsoft integration within Windows environments. However, its limited open-source compatibility, steep learning curve, and reliance on SQL Server licensing make it less ideal for organizations seeking greater flexibility, affordability, or platform independence. Carefully weighing your specific needs and resources against its strengths and limitations is crucial before choosing SSIS for your data integration needs.

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Hevo user reviews paint a contrasting picture. Proponents praise its effortless data integration with pre-built connectors and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for non-technical users and reducing the need for complex coding. Automated data pipelines and cloud-based scalability further attract users seeking timely data updates and flexible infrastructure. Additionally, Hevo's free tier and tiered pricing plans are lauded for being cost-effective, especially for startups and businesses with basic needs. However, critics point out limitations in Hevo's customization options. While its pre-built tools are convenient, users with complex data manipulation needs crave more flexibility and scripting options, citing challenges in tailoring pipelines for specific requirements. Scalability concerns also emerge for handling massive datasets, with some users reporting occasional performance issues. Additionally, Hevo's proprietary data format and limited open-source integration raise concerns about vendor lock-in, making it less suitable for organizations prioritizing future platform flexibility. Finally, the pay-as-you-go model can lead to unexpected costs for businesses with unpredictable data fluctuations. Compared to similar ETL tools like Fivetran or Stitch, Hevo shines in its user-friendliness and affordability. However, its limitations in customization, scalability for large data, and potential for vendor lock-in can be dealbreakers for complex ETL needs. Ultimately, Hevo excels in simplifying data integration for users with basic or moderate data volumes and budget constraints, but organizations with advanced requirements or demanding flexibility might need to explore alternative solutions.

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