Azure Data Factory vs Alteryx Designer vs Skyvia

Azure Data Factory and Alteryx Designer both offer a data integration solution. Compare the features and benefits, data sources and destinations, and see which meets your needs. Look at the side-by-side comparison chart of the two data integration solutions.

Look at the side-by-side comparison chart

Azure Data Factory

vs

Alteryx Designer

vs

Skyvia

About the Services

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Factory (ADF) is a cloud-based data integration tool from Microsoft. It launched in 2015. And now, it’s popular among enterprises and individuals alike.

ADF offers a wide range of data integration scenarios. This includes ETL, ELT, reverse ETL, data ingestion, replication, and more. You can use over 90 built-in connectors. This covers on-premises and cloud-based data. You can use Azure Data Factory to move data from sources such as SQL Server, Oracle, Salesforce, and SAP. And into destinations such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Blob Storage, and Amazon S3.

Microsoft takes customer data privacy and security very seriously. Microsoft designed Azure Data Factory with several security features. This includes Azure Active Directory integration, role-based access control, data encryption, and more. Moreover, the tool complies with security and privacy standards. This includes GDPR, SOC 1/2, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. This means that you can trust Azure Data Factory to handle your data in a secure and compliant manner.

You can also use ADF by importing SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages.

Alteryx Designer

Alteryx Designer claims to be an all-in-one tool. That is from data preparation to analytics. And G2 and Gartner report positive feedback from end users. Alteryx as a company started in 1997 and became one of the trusted data platforms by known brands. It has various products, including Alteryx Designer Desktop and Cloud.

Alteryx Designer allows you to blend, prep, and analyze your data. Coding is optional, and the tool offers drag-and-drop capabilities. It’s good to see reviews from other users for specifics because some say that it’s easy, but others say there’s a steep learning curve. And note that the Desktop Edition is for Windows only. So, Mac and Linux users are out of the picture.

If you need to switch between Desktop and Cloud and back, it is not possible for now. Because the 2 Editions are 2 separate tools. You can’t migrate your workflows from the Desktop to the Cloud and vice-versa. You need to create them from scratch. That’s why you need to choose between the two and stick with your choice.

Alteryx implemented many measures to ensure the safety of customer data. They have earned certifications like HIPAA, SOC 1 and 2, and GDPR compliance.

Skyvia

Skyvia is a no-code cloud data integration platform for many data integration scenarios. It’s an all-rounder tool for ETL, ELT, Reverse ETL, data migration, one-way and bi-directional data sync, workflow automation, and more. Devart launched this fantastic product in 2014 for cloud data integration and backup.

Skyvia offers more than 180 ready-made data connectors. These are available for thousands of free users, including 2000+ paid customers. Big names like Hyundai and General Electric trust Skyvia to process their data. Its easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface suits both IT professionals and business users. And don’t take our word for it. Listen to G2 reviewers about how easy it is to start and work with it. Data integration experts who used other tools can adapt with little to no help from support.

Skyvia has flexible pricing plans perfect for small startups and large enterprises. So, it makes it applicable to businesses of all sizes. Also, Skyvia’s freemium model allows users to start using it now and then decide if they need to upgrade later.

The safety of your data is also our prime concern. So, we hosted it in Microsoft Azure cloud, providing the best data security and privacy. It complies with a wide set of security standards, including SOC 2, ISO 27001, and many others.

Azure Data FactoryAlteryx DesignerSkyvia
FocusETL, ELT, Reverse ETL, streaming.ETL, Data PrepData ingestion, ELT, ETL, reverse ETL, data sync, workflow automation.
Skill levelLow-code, no-code solutions.
Coding in various languages for complex scenarios.
Low-code, no-code solutions.
Python skills for complex scenarios.
No-code wizard. Top-rated as one of the easiest ETL tools by G2.
Sources90+80+180+
DestinationsSupported data sources.Supported data sources.Supported data sources, including databases, data warehouses, cloud apps and flat files.
Database replicationFull and incremental load.Full or incremental load.Full table and incremental via change data capture.
Ability for customers to add new data sourcesProvides SDK for creating custom connectors.Through Alteryx Connector SDK.Ye s, by request or using REST API connector.
G2 customer satisfaction4.6 out of 5
57 reviews
4.5 out of 5
284 reviews
4.8 out of 5
217 Reviews
Peer Insights satisfaction4.5
173 Ratings
4.5
59 Ratings
4.8
103 Ratings
Developer toolsAzure Portal, CLI, and PowerShell.
Azure Functions for transformations.
Use external services like HDInsight.
Visual Studio.
CLI.
Alteryx API/SDK.
REST connector for data sources that have REST API.
Advanced ETL capabilitiesImporting SSIS packages.
Calling External processes from the pipeline.
Use Hadoop Streaming.
Predictive analytics and machine learning.Visual ETL data pipeline designer with data orchestration capabilities.
Compliance and security certificationsSOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001 / 27017 / 27018, HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA, FedRAMP, Dod SRG, ITARISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA
Privacy Shield
TrustArc Certified Privacy Seal
Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Star Level 1/2
Available to Alteryx Designer Cloud
HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS.
ISO 27001 and SOC 2 (by Azure).
Purchase processSelf-service through Azure Portal or contacting Microsoft sales.Use the free trial and talk to sales.Self-service or sales.
Vendor lock-inPay-as-you-go or consumption basis.
No minimum commitment or contract term.
Renewable annual contracts.Monthly or annual contracts.
PricingAlways Free for 5 low frequency jobs.
Included in Azure Free Trial with $200 credit for 30 days.
Pricing is different depending on the Edition.
Contact sales for more information.
Unspecified period of free trial.
Volume-based and feature-based pricing. Freemium model allows to start with a free plan.

Connectors

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Factory has 90+ built-in connectors for integrating data from various sources. Microsoft regularly adds new connectors and update existing ones. The connectors can integrate databases, cloud platforms, big data, and SaaS applications. Popular connectors include Azure Blob Storage, Amazon S3, and Salesforce.

It also supports generic REST, OData, HTTP, and ODBC connectors. You can create custom connectors using .NET, Java, or Python. ADF provides a software development kit (SDK) for this purpose. And when you’re done with your new connector, you can share and reuse it to others in your organization. Or with other users outside your company.

Alteryx Designer

Alteryx Designer supports over 80 data connectors. It includes data on cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure. And popular databases such as Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL.

You can use the Alteryx Connector SDK to create a custom connector. This allows customers to connect to any data source. This means you need a knack for Python programming to create custom connectors.

Skyvia

Skyvia offers more than 180 connectors, and more to come very soon. It supports connectors for CRMs, accounting, email marketing, e-commerce, human resources, marketing automation, payment processing, product management, all major databases and DWH, flat files, and more. It’s also not a problem whether your data is on-premise or in the cloud.

You can access your on-premise data with peace of mind using the Skyvia Agent. It allows you to connect to databases like SQL Server, MySQL, and more using an encrypted connection. You need to download the Skyvia Agent and install it. Then, download a secured key file and place it in the same folder as the Agent. The Agent is like an unbreakable metal door, and you use the key file to open that door to your on-premise data. You can also set it up so that Skyvia can access only the resources you specify and nothing else.

Customers can also leave a request for a new data connector. And Skyvia will prioritize building it without additional payment.

Transformation

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Factory provides flexible and powerful options for data transformation. ADF supports various transformations, including filtering, aggregating, joining, sorting, and more.

You can use the graphical user interface to add transformations or code to create advanced data transformations. ADF allows coding in several programming languages, including SQL, .NET, Python, and others.

It also supports external activities for executing your transformations on compute services. This includes HDInsight Hadoop, Spark, Data Lake Analytics, and Machine Learning. This gives you the flexibility to use different approaches in data transformation.

Alteryx Designer

With Alteryx Designer, you can perform a wide range of transformations. Be it filtering, sorting, aggregating, pivoting, and more. The software also supports data profiling and cleansing.

You can perform data transformations in Alteryx Designer using a drag-and-drop interface. Some of the transformations are the Formula, Multi-Field Formula, and Cross Tab. It makes it easy to transform data without coding. But for complex scenarios, you can code using Python or SQL, or do machine learning.

Skyvia

Skyvia is a full-featured ETL service that allows powerful data transformations. It is a no-code solution allowing data splitting, conversion, lookups, and many more.

You can use the Skyvia Data Flow and Control Flow for advanced data pipelines. Transformations for these advanced pipelines are flexible. It supports extending your data with new columns, conditional flows, and summarized values. And all these you can do with parameters, variables, and more for flexibility without code.

Moreover, Skyvia has an Expression Builder to build formulas with many functions. With this, you can convert or extract parts of the data or form new values to suit your needs. And if you love coding in SQL, Skyvia can further extend your transformation needs. It supports multiple joins, groupings, CASE expressions, and more in SELECT queries. And you can also use DML commands like INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

Support

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Factory offers several levels of customer support. It includes free and paid options. The free support includes online documentation, community support, and email support.

Paid support options include Standard, Professional Direct, and Premier. Each has various levels of 24/7 support and faster response times. The Standard and Professional Direct support levels also come with an SLA. It guarantees a certain level of uptime and issue resolution time. Customers can reach the support team through various channels. This includes email, phone, and online chat. For premium support, customers can avail themselves of dedicated support teams and other benefits.

Azure SLA guarantees 99.9% uptime for paid Azure services.

Alteryx Designer

There are 2 editions for Alteryx Designer: Designer Desktop and Designer Cloud. And each has an online documentation. There is also a community to help newbies and experts alike to address issues in the 2 products.

Alteryx Designer also offers technical support through email and phone. There are also different levels of support depending on your subscription plan. Premium support is available for customers who need immediate help. And extra support beyond the offerings in their subscription plan. It also provides an SLA. It outlines the response times and issue resolution for different levels of support. Check out the Alteryx Support Guidelines page for more details.

Skyvia

Skyvia offers free email, chat (on the website or in-app), and forum support for all customers. It also provides extensive documentation with lots of tutorials and user guides.

For paid customers, there's also a phone support option and additional support options for Enterprise customers.

Pricing

Azure Data Factory

Azure Data Factory provides a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model. It charges based on pipeline orchestration, data movement, and data volume. Pricing can vary depending on region and usage patterns.

New customers get $200 free credit for 30 days to use any Azure service, including Data Factory. Pay-as-you-go is your next option once the trial ends or the free credits becomes zero. But ADF is always free for 5 low-frequency activities.

Some services may need resources not covered in Always Free services like storage. So, it’s crucial to check pricing and usage limits.

Alteryx Designer

There are 2 editions for Alteryx Designer: Designer Desktop and Designer Cloud.

You need to contact sales for the updated pricing. If you are a new customer for Alteryx Designer Cloud, you need to pay a separate platform fee. And also buy for 3 users, at least. Some reviewers in G2 feels it’s too pricey.

There’s a free trial for each edition. But there’s no mention of how long the trial will be.

Skyvia

Skyvia Data Integration is a freemium tool with an option to request a 14-day trial. So, price is not a barrier to entry.

And when you’re ready, paid plans start from $19 per month. Pricing tiers depend on a few factors. It includes the number of loaded records, scheduling frequency, and advanced ETL features. There are no sale commitments. And customers can upgrade or downgrade at any time. Check out a detailed comparison here.

If you doubt the price is worth it, check out review sites like G2. Aside from ease of use, reasonable pricing is one of the things Skyvia customers like. So, you can be sure the features you get are worth every penny.