About the Services
SSIS
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is a data integration tool from Microsoft. You have SSIS when you buy Microsoft SQL Server. Launched in 2005, SSIS works with a variety of sources and delivers it to the desired destination. It’s a mature product that is flexible, scalable, and reliable. It is ideal for small-scale data migrations to large-scale enterprise data warehouses.
You can design SSIS packages using Visual Studio with drag-and-drop functionality and then perform a variety of data integration scenarios. And this includes ETL, ELT, reverse ETL, data ingestion, replication, and more. SSIS provides a range of data connectors for SQL Server, Oracle, Excel, and other data sources. It can also work with structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data. There are also third-party providers of free and commercial SSIS components. This adds more connectors and transformations to SSIS.
SSIS comes together with SQL Server installer. And it needs installation and configuration by a skilled IT professional. Data resides on customers’ on-premise or cloud servers. So, they are in control of its security. But you can also deploy it in the cloud. So, the security and privacy certifications of that cloud provider are in effect.
Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow is a free, open-source platform for developing batch-oriented workflows. It launched in 2014 and has big-name companies like Airbnb, Lyft, and Etsy in its portfolio. It has a growing community of over 2,000 contributors and many users worldwide.
Apache Airflow uses a workflow management system. This system handles automating and monitoring data integration processes. It can handle simple data transfers and complex machine-learning workflows. The user interface is easy to use, so you can focus on your work instead of minding a confusing interface.
But having that simple interface has a caveat. Open-source platforms need technical expertise, and Airflow is no different. You can start with several options to install. If you don’t want to hire experts to do this for you, you need to know about Python and some required libraries and even about Docker Containers for a seamless cloud deployment.
Apache Airflow also doesn’t have a record of privacy and security certifications, but it has security features like role-based access control and encryption. So, your data is safe from prying eyes. It also provides logging and auditing capabilities. So, this will help identify and investigate any security or privacy incidents. Companies with stringent security and privacy requirements trust Apache Airflow. But again, either you need some more technical expertise, or pay for someone who knows how to secure Airflow in your environment.
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.
 |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | ETL, ELT, and Reverse ETL. | ETL, ELT, and reverse ETL | Data ingestion, ELT, ETL, reverse ETL, data sync, workflow automation. |
| Skill level | Low-code, no-code solution. Or, coding in .Net languages like C#. | Python coding skills. | No-code wizard. Top-rated as one of the easiest ETL tools by G2. |
| Sources | ODBC, ADO, .Net, OLEDB compatible data sources. | 80+ | 180+ |
| Destinations | Supported data sources. | Supported data sources. | Supported data sources, including databases, data warehouses, cloud apps and flat files. |
| Database replication | Full and incremental load. | Full or incremental load. | Full table and incremental via change data capture. |
| Ability for customers to add new data sources | Yes, by coding custom data source components. | Yes, by coding. | Ye s, by request or using REST API connector. |
| G2 customer satisfaction | 4.6 out of 5 11 reviews | 4.3 out of 5 71 reviews | 4.8 out of 5 217 Reviews |
| Peer Insights satisfaction | 4.4 291 Ratings | - | 4.8 103 Ratings |
| Developer tools | Visual Studio, SQL Server Management Studio. | Python packages/CLI. Web UI. | REST connector for data sources that have REST API. |
| Advanced ETL capabilities | Running external processes. Running within Azure Data Factory. | Integration with other integration tools like Kafka, dbt, Airbyte, and more. | Visual ETL data pipeline designer with data orchestration capabilities. |
| Compliance and security certifications | In the cloud: ISO/IEC 27001:2013, SOC 1/2, HIPAA, GDPR. On premise: IT departments are in control of security. | No official list of certifications. | HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS. ISO 27001 and SOC 2 (by Azure). |
| Purchase process | Bundled when you buy Microsoft SQL Server. | Download and install. | Self-service or sales. |
| Vendor lock-in | Based on SQL Server subscription. | None | Monthly or annual contracts. |
| Pricing | Pricing is based on SQL Server Edition licenses. Developer Edition is free. | Cloud-hosted with volume-based pricing. Self-managed with a customized package. With a free tier and 14-day trial. | Volume-based and feature-based pricing. Freemium model allows to start with a free plan. |
Connectors
SSIS
SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) comes with various data connectors. These data sources are compatible with ADO, .Net, ODBC, and OLEDB providers. Some of the popular ones include connectors for SQL Server, Oracle, and Excel.
You can also create your own custom connectors to connect to unknown data sources. You can do this by creating a custom data source component. This allows customers to extend its functionality. And connect to any data source they need.
Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow provides 80+ built-in data connectors and provider packages. These connectors will work with various types of data sources. And this includes databases, cloud platforms, and messaging systems. It can also deal with popular APIs, data warehouses, and lakes. Some of the most popular connectors include MySQL and PostgreSQL.
But, if you need one that is not available, you can create your own using Airflow’s API. Additionally, the Airflow community never stops developing and sharing new connectors. So, if your data source is so unique and recent, look for a connector in the community first. But if nobody made one for it yet, prepare to roll up your sleeves and code.
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
SSIS
SSIS can handle data transformations in ETL, ELT, and reverse ETL scenarios. You can do transformation tasks like data cleansing, conversion, merging, and more. There are 30+ built-in transformations available in SSIS. And if you need something outside of that, code using C# or VB.Net to make your custom transformation.
Additionally, AI in Visual Studio can help you code faster. This is possible by using extensions like GitHub Copilot.
Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow provides a flexible way to handle data transformations. Airflow supports a variety of data transformation tasks. This includes data cleansing, aggregation, filtering, and enrichment. You can perform transformations using code-based approaches. So, if you prefer to click than code to perform transformations, this is not for you.
Airflow has a web, graphical interface for data transformations, but coding is always required. So, it supports programming languages like Python and SQL.
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
SSIS
SSIS customers can receive support from Microsoft through a variety of channels. This includes online documentation, community forums, and direct support from Microsoft.
Different levels include free online resources, paid support plans, and premium support plans.
Customers can access support through the Microsoft Support Center. From here they can create a support ticket or chat with a support representative.
Microsoft also offers a Service Level Agreement (SLA) for its premium support plans. It guarantees a response time and resolution time for support requests. To use this option, contact a Microsoft sales representative or visit the Microsoft Support website.
Apache Airflow
Airflow has an active and helpful community, and users can access various support channels depending on their needs. Their website provides documentation and guides for all levels of users. They also have a mailing list where users can ask for help and get support from the community.
For those who need more help, premium support is available through third-party vendors. These vendors provide support levels, including response time guarantees and service-level agreements (SLAs). They also offer training and consulting services.
Users can reach out to these vendors through their websites or by contacting them directly to benefit from their premium support services. With these options, users can choose the level of support that fits their needs and budget.
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
SSIS
SSIS is part of the SQL Server suite of products. And the pricing model is per-core. You can choose to buy a SQL Server license with SSIS included, or they can buy an SSIS license separately. Prices vary depending on the SQL Server edition and the number of cores required.
Microsoft also offers cloud-based options for SSIS through its Azure services. Customers can choose to run SSIS packages on virtual machines. Or use Azure Data Factory, a cloud-based ETL service that includes SSIS functionality. Azure Data Factory pricing model is another thing to consider. But you will only pay based on usage.
Developers can use SSIS for free if they have a SQL Server Developer Edition. This version includes all features of SQL Server Enterprise. But the license is for development and testing only.
Apache Airflow
Apache Airflow is an open-source platform, which means it’s free to use. There are no hidden charges or fees to access and use Airflow’s core features.
Moreover, Apache Airflow doesn’t need any upfront payment, subscription, or contract. Users can download, install, and run the software. They can do that on their own hardware or cloud infrastructure. They have full control over their deployment, scaling, and maintenance. This makes it an attractive option for those who want to avoid vendor lock-in.
There are also no user, workflow, or data source limitations in using Airflow. You can experiment, innovate, and collaborate on your pipelines without worries.
But this flexibility needs a lot of skilled work hours. So, if you need a data integration tool that is ready to use from day 1, this may not be an attractive option.
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.