apache-kafka-vs-mule-esb

Apache Kafka and Mule ESB are both enterprise service bus (ESB) and integration platforms, which allow users to capture real-time data from multiple sources. Apache Kafka is robust and complex for large companies with ESB experience, while Mule ESB’s easy to use interface will come in handy for those newer to integration platforms. 

Features

Though both Apache Kafka and Mule ESB are used by enterprise-level companies, there are a few standout features of each that differentiate them.

Apache Kafka is, in essence, a message-brokering platform that delivers data from one point to another. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to distribute, store and process events. Users report that Apache Kafka is easy to configure and handles large amounts of data from different sources with ease. Its flexibility allows for success when handling millions of small files or a small number of large files, and it will accommodate bursts of traffic as well. Kafka is stable, secure, and well supported by Apache, so it can be a mission-critical part of a system without worry that it will fail. The fact that Apache continues to develop and improve it inspires confidence that it won’t go away anytime soon. 

Mule ESB is a middleware tool for integrating various applications with each other. It is highly valued by its users for the sheer number of connections that are available. Most connections can be implemented via a drag and drop interface, making it easy to use for beginners. Mulesoft is a SalesForce company, so Salesforce integrations are robust yet simple. Pre-built connectors and templates make Mule ESB even faster to set up.

Limitations

Each of these ESB products has its own set of limitations. 

Apache Kafka, while robust, does not support wildcard topic selection, but matches only specific topic names. Handling a large number of topics can make Kafka grind to a halt. Though it has monitoring tools, users report that the selection of these tools is incomplete. Handling of duplicate messages could be improved, as could load balancing and restart. The product documentation can be difficult to follow.

While many appreciate how lightweight Mule ESB is, it can slow down when handling bigger applications or large amounts of messages, and frequent patches imply instability. Troubleshooting can be difficult, and some data types are conspicuously unavailable. Some users also note that the price is a little high for them. 

Pricing

As an open-source product, Apache Kafka is free to download and install. Mule ESB is part of the Mulesoft Anypoint Platform, which has a 30-day free trial. Contact Mulesoft to learn more about subscription pricing.