Lakehouse VS Warehouse VS Datamart: The Difference Between The Three Fabric Objects
Three types of objects in the Microsoft Fabric have similarities in what they can do for an analytics system. These three are; Lakehouse, Data Warehouse, and Power BI Datamart. All three objects provide storage for the data, which can be loaded into them using an ETL process and read using something like a Power BI report. In this article and video, I'll explain the actual differences and how to choose the best option for your implementation and architecture.
Read my article about it here: radacad.com/lakehouse-vs-warehouse-vs-datamart-the-difference-between-the-three-fabric-objects
The article discusses the differences between three objects in Microsoft Fabric: Lakehouse, Data Warehouse, and Power BI Datamart. These objects serve as storage systems for data in an analytics solution and can be loaded using an ETL process and accessed through Power BI reporting.
Lakehouse is a storage system for structured and unstructured data. It stores data in OneLake and can be accessed through the Lakehouse Explorer and SQL Endpoint. It is suitable for data engineers and data scientists.
Data Warehouse is a highly scalable and performant database for storing structured data tables. It also uses OneLake for storage and provides a full SQL Endpoint for reading and writing. It is ideal for database developers and SQL engineers.
Power BI Datamart integrates Azure SQL Database into the Power BI architecture. It combines Dataflow, Azure SQL Database, and Power BI Dataset for building a data warehouse in a multi-layered Power BI architecture. It is designed for citizen data analysts and requires Power Query and Power BI skills.
The article highlights several similarities among these objects, such as their role as storage systems, ETL capabilities, and integration with Power BI. However, there are important differences to consider when choosing the best option for a specific implementation. These differences include licensing requirements, scalability, support for structured and unstructured data, SQL Endpoint capabilities, and the target user personas.
The article concludes that each object has its use cases and there is no indication of any object being replaced or deprecated. The choice depends on factors such as licensing, data volume, type of data, developer skill set, and usage requirements. The analogy of car models from different brands is used to illustrate the need for multiple options with varying pros and cons.
The author, Reza Rad, is a Microsoft Regional Director, trainer, consultant, and author with extensive experience in data analysis and Microsoft BI technologies.
Lakehouse, Data Warehouse, and Power BI Datamart are essential tools in analytics systems. Understanding the differences between these three fabric objects is crucial in deciding the most suitable option for your organization. Factors to consider include the volume and structure of your data, the level of analysis required, and the specific use cases that need to be supported. By having a clear understanding of these parameters, you can make an informed decision on the best option to ensure optimal performance, functionality, and scalability for your analytic needs.
The key difference between Lakehouse, Warehouse and Datamart is the purpose for which they are used. Lakehouse is used for data storage, Data Warehouse is used to store and manage data from multiple sources, and Power BI Datamart is used to develop data models and analytics for Power BI. Lakehouse provides storage for data which can be loaded into the system using an ETL process, while Data Warehouse stores and manages data from multiple sources. Power BI Datamart is used to build data models and analytics that are used in Power BI reports. Each object has its own advantages and disadvantages and it is important to choose the right option for your implementation and architecture.
Lakehouse is a data platform that combines data storage and analytics capabilities. It is designed for large scale data storage, and can store data from a variety of sources. It also allows for real-time analytics and processing of data. Data Warehouse is a system that stores and manages data from multiple sources. It provides an easy way to access and analyze a large amount of data. Power BI Datamart is used to create data models and analytics for Power BI reports. It is a cloud-based platform that allows users to quickly and easily create data models and analytics that can be used in Power BI reports.
In conclusion, each of the three Fabric Objects - Lakehouse, Data Warehouse, and Power BI Datamart - serves a specific purpose and can be used to create powerful analytics solutions. It is important to understand the differences between them and choose the best option for your implementation and architecture.
Lakehouse, Warehouse, Datamart, ETL, Power BI, Data Storage