Search code examples
sql-serverazureparallel-data-warehouse

Differences between Azure Data Warehouse and Microsoft Parallel Datawarehouse (PDW)

I'd like to know the key differences between Azure Data Warehouse and Microsoft Parallel Datawarehouse (PDW).

I read an article on Azure Data Warehouse here. Also, an article on Microsoft PDW.

Looking at features and functionalities, they look similar. However, I'd like to know key differences between them and in what circumstances, one is better than other.

Solution

  • At high level,

    Parallel Datawarehouse(PDW) is onpremises version, where you have to maintain a virtual machine and IAAS(Infrastructure as a Service) hosted. You have to take care of patching the server.

    Azure SQL Datawarehouse is PAAS(Platform as a Service) and you dont need to maintain Virtual machine and apply patches.

    Azure SQL Datawarehouse differs in terms of features from Parallel Data Warehouse. Similarly, PDW also misses some features.

    Missing features of Azure SQL Datawarehouse