Tag Archives: multi-cloud

Databricks vs Snowflake: A Critical Comparison of Modern Data Platforms

This article provides a critical, side-by-side comparison of Databricks and Snowflake, drawing on real-world experience leading enterprise data platform teams. It covers their origins, architecture, programming language support, workload fit, operational complexity, governance, AI capabilities, and ecosystem maturity. The guide helps architects and data leaders understand the philosophical and technical trade-offs, whether prioritising AI-native flexibility and open-source alignment with Databricks or streamlined governance and SQL-first simplicity with Snowflake. Practical recommendations, strategic considerations, and guidance by team persona equip readers to choose or combine these platforms to align with their data strategy and talent strengths.

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Revisiting the Cloud Computing Model: A 15-Year Reflection

This new article revisits a conceptual framework of cloud computing I introduced in 2009, exploring how cloud roles, billing models, and security have evolved over the past 15 years. It discusses the maturity of cloud services, the expansion of “as-a-service” models, and the rise of country-specific cloud solutions. The piece also highlights potential disadvantages such as hidden costs, vendor lock-in, and the recent trend of companies moving away from cloud providers. The article concludes with predictions of cloud computing.

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