Audience
DevOps looking for an open table format solution for analytic datasets
About Apache Iceberg
Iceberg is a high-performance format for huge analytic tables. Iceberg brings the reliability and simplicity of SQL tables to big data, while making it possible for engines like Spark, Trino, Flink, Presto, Hive and Impala to safely work with the same tables, at the same time. Iceberg supports flexible SQL commands to merge new data, update existing rows, and perform targeted deletes. Iceberg can eagerly rewrite data files for read performance, or it can use delete deltas for faster updates. Iceberg handles the tedious and error-prone task of producing partition values for rows in a table and skips unnecessary partitions and files automatically. No extra filters are needed for fast queries, and the table layout can be updated as data or queries change.
Other Popular Alternatives & Related Software
R2 SQL
R2 SQL is Cloudflare’s serverless, distributed analytics query engine (currently in open beta) that enables you to run SQL queries over Apache Iceberg tables stored in R2 Data Catalog without needing to manage your own compute clusters. It is built to efficiently query large volumes of data by leveraging metadata pruning, partition-level statistics, file and row-group filtering, and Cloudflare’s globally distributed compute infrastructure to parallelize execution. The system works by integrating with R2 object storage and an Iceberg catalog layer, so you can ingest data via Cloudflare Pipelines into Iceberg tables, and then query that data with minimal overhead. Queries can be issued via the Wrangler CLI or HTTP API (with an API token granting permissions across R2 SQL, Data Catalog, and storage). During the open beta period, using R2 SQL itself is not billed, only storage and standard R2 operations incur charges.
Learn more
Google Cloud Managed Service for Apache Spark
Managed Service for Apache Spark is a Google Cloud solution that simplifies running Apache Spark workloads with either serverless execution or fully managed clusters. It allows users to process large-scale data without needing to manage infrastructure, reducing operational complexity. The platform features Lightning Engine, which accelerates Spark performance by up to 4.9 times compared to open-source Spark. It supports data engineering, data science, and machine learning workflows at scale. Integration with Gemini enables AI-powered development, including automated code generation and troubleshooting. The service works seamlessly with open data formats like Apache Iceberg and integrates with tools like BigQuery and Knowledge Catalog. It offers flexible deployment options to suit different workloads and use cases. Overall, it provides a faster, smarter, and more efficient way to run Spark workloads in the cloud.
Learn more
Apache Impala
Impala provides low latency and high concurrency for BI/analytic queries on the Hadoop ecosystem, including Iceberg, open data formats, and most cloud storage options. Impala also scales linearly, even in multitenant environments. Impala is integrated with native Hadoop security and Kerberos for authentication, and via the Ranger module, you can ensure that the right users and applications are authorized for the right data. Utilize the same file and data formats and metadata, security, and resource management frameworks as your Hadoop deployment, with no redundant infrastructure or data conversion/duplication. For Apache Hive users, Impala utilizes the same metadata and ODBC driver. Like Hive, Impala supports SQL, so you don't have to worry about reinventing the implementation wheel. With Impala, more users, whether using SQL queries or BI applications, can interact with more data through a single repository and metadata stored from source through analysis.
Learn more
Tabular
Tabular is an open table store from the creators of Apache Iceberg. Connect multiple computing engines and frameworks. Decrease query time and storage costs by up to 50%. Centralize enforcement of data access (RBAC) policies. Connect any query engine or framework, including Athena, BigQuery, Redshift, Snowflake, Databricks, Trino, Spark, and Python. Smart compaction, clustering, and other automated data services reduce storage costs and query times by up to 50%. Unify data access at the database or table. RBAC controls are simple to manage, consistently enforced, and easy to audit. Centralize your security down to the table. Tabular is easy to use plus it features high-powered ingestion, performance, and RBAC under the hood. Tabular gives you the flexibility to work with multiple “best of breed” compute engines based on their strengths. Assign privileges at the data warehouse database, table, or column level.
Learn more
Pricing
Starting Price:
Free
Pricing Details:
Open source
Free Version:
Free Version available.
Integrations
Company Information
Apache Software Foundation
Founded: 1999
United States
iceberg.apache.org
Videos and Screen Captures
Other Useful Business Software
MongoDB Atlas runs apps anywhere
MongoDB Atlas gives you the freedom to build and run modern applications anywhere—across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. With global availability in over 115 regions, Atlas lets you deploy close to your users, meet compliance needs, and scale with confidence across any geography.
Product Details
Platforms Supported
Cloud
Training
Documentation
Support
Online
