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Real-Time Data Processing
Architecture and Toolset
In data analytics since 1989, ScienceSoft helps companies across 30+ industries implement scalable and high-performing real-time data processing solutions.
Head of Data Analytics Department, ScienceSoft
Business Analyst and BI Consultant, ScienceSoft
Real-Time Data as a Revenue Booster
According to the 2022 KX & CEBR survey, 80% of organizations report up to 20% revenue increase due to the implementation of real-time data management and analytics. The survey spanned six countries (US, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia) and covered 1,200 companies in manufacturing, automotive, BFSI, and telecommunications domains.
The surveyed executives report that switching to real-time data processing contributed to:
- More successful development of new products and services.
- Improved customer experience.
- Reduced operational costs.
Types of Real-Time Processing Architectures
Lambda and Kappa architecture types are the most efficient for scalable, fault-tolerant real-time processing systems. The optimal choice between the two depends on the specifics of every use case, including the approach to coupling real-time and batch processing.
Check the difference between real-time and batch processing
Real-time data processing is a method that enables dynamic input of constantly changing data and near-instant operational response and/or smart analytical output (e.g., responses to user requests, automated action triggers, personalized recommendations).
Batch processing is a method of data processing that allows the system to handle non-time-sensitive data (e.g., revenue reports, billing data, customer orders) according to established intervals (every hour, every week) and enables historical data analytics.
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Lambda architecture
The Lambda architecture has separate real-time and batch processing pipelines: they are built upon different tech stacks and run independently. The serving layer (a distributed database or a NoSQL database) is built on top of the two layers. It combines batch and near real-time data views from the corresponding pipelines to provide real-time analytics insights for BI dashboards and enable ad hoc data exploration.
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Best for: scenarios where real-time processing must be coupled with cost-efficient storage and analytics of large historical data sets (petabyte-range). For instance, in an ecommerce app, real-time analytics is crucial for immediate responses like confirming a payment or sending a personalized cross-selling recommendation. At the same time, batch analytics helps identify shopping patterns based on customer behavior data. |
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Lambda pros
- High fault tolerance: if the streaming layer fails, the batch layer still has the data.
- All historical data is stored in a data lake, enabling efficient batch processing and complex analytics.
- More effective training of machine learning models thanks to the access to complete historical data sets.
Lambda cons
- Comparatively longer and more expensive development due to architectural complexity.
- More challenging to test and maintain.
- Extra efforts may be needed to achieve data consistency between real-time and batch views.
Kappa architecture
Kappa architecture has just one stream layer supporting real-time and batch processing. Consequently, both processes utilize the same tech stack. The serving component receives a unified view of real-time and batch analytics results.
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Best for: scenarios when the focus is on low-latency responses, and historical analytics is complimentary, e.g., for video streaming, sensor data processing, or fraud detection. |
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Kappa pros
- May be cheaper and faster to implement thanks to a simpler architecture where both processing types run on the same tech stack.
- Lower testing and maintenance costs.
- Easy to scale and expand with new functionality.
Kappa cons
- Lower fault tolerance compared to Lambda.
- Limited access to historical data and its comprehensive analytics, including ML training.
Tech and Tools to Build a Real-Time Data Processing Solution
The Advantages of Real-Time Processing Shouldn't Come at a Price
Despite its obvious benefits, real-time data processing can also introduce new risks. Chasing higher processing speed, big data developers often make compromises, and data security and accuracy are the first to take the bullet. Another frequent victim is scalability: it doesn’t matter how quickly your software is churning data if it is accumulating technical debt equally as fast. Managing these risks to achieve high speed without compromising quality is what really makes or breaks real-time big data projects. And there’s no universal solution: to build a future-proof system, you’ll need an architecture tailored to the business specifics and a fair share of custom code.
ScienceSoft's Success Stories
Real-Time Application for IoT Pet Tracking
We developed a GPS-based big data processing application that analyzes data from millions of pet wearables in real time. The app sends immediate notifications to pet owners in case of critical events (e.g., if a pet leaves the predefined safe zone or a device battery runs low).
- Real-time simultaneous processing of 30,000 events per second from millions of devices.
- Highly scalable infrastructure able to accommodate any data and user volume increase.
Development of a Supply Chain E-Collaboration Network for an International Retailer
ScienceSoft developed an Oracle-based platform that integrates real-time supply-chain data from buyers, accountants, vendors, and store managers and enables real-time report generation.
- Real-time visibility into buying and selling processes.
- Facilitated demand planning due to real-time reports.
Real-Time Cargo Condition Monitoring Solution for a Leading Logistics Company
We developed an AWS-based application that monitors the temperature and humidity inside vehicle refrigerators and sends automated alerts in case delivery conditions are violated.
- Sales increase thanks to innovative real-time monitoring features.
- Reduced expenses on rejected goods, as the delivery quality can be easily verified.
Why Entrust Your Real-Time Data Processing Solution to ScienceSoft?
- Since 1989 in custom software development and data analytics.
- Since 2003 in end-to-end big data services.
- Hands-on experience in in 30+ industries, including healthcare, banking, lending, investment, insurance, retail, ecommerce, professional services, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, energy, telecoms, and more.
- A Microsoft Partner and an AWS Select Tier Services Partner.
- ISO 9001 and ISO 27001-certified quality management and security management systems to guarantee top service quality and complete protection of our clients' data
What makes ScienceSoft different
We achieve project success no matter what
ScienceSoft does not pass mere project administration off as project management, which, unfortunately, often happens on the market. We practice real project management, achieving project success for our clients no matter what.
Build a Robust Real-Time Solution With Experts
With an in-house PMO and established project management practices, ScienceSoft's priority is to drive your project to its goals regardless of time and budget constraints, as well as changing requirements.
Consulting on real-time data processing
Whether you need to improve your existing real-time solution or build one from scratch, ScienceSoft's experts are ready to assist. We can design an optimal architecture and toolset, deliver a business case with cost and ROI estimations, or fully audit your system to enhance its performance and simplify maintenance.
Real-time data processing implementation
Our multi-skilled team of data and software engineering pros is fully equipped to build a real-time app of any complexity. Focused on delivering fault-tolerant and highly scalable software, we give equal priority to cost efficiency to guarantee long-term software sustainability.
Real-Time Data Processing is Crucial to Preserve Data Value
According to a recent IDC survey covering over 1,000 organizations,
May Your Real-Time Solution Drive Real Value for Your Business
And if you need a trusted partner to help you tame milliseconds, ScienceSoft is ready to shoulder the challenge.