Informatica PowerCenter vs Informatica PowerExchange vs Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) comparison

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Informatica PowerCenter, Informatica PowerExchange, and Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft, Informatica, Oracle and others in Data Integration.
To learn more, read our detailed Data Integration Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The most valuable features are the metadata repository and the data warehouse application console.""Informatica PowerCenter is a very good ETL tool.""I like the automated scheduling feature.""The most valuable feature is the new Data Lake feature, which provides the basic capabilities needed.""We use Informatica PowerCenter to transfer the transitional database to and from the data warehouse. This is very efficient as it enables us to quickly find our data reports and the data, so we can build AI models.""It reduces a lot of legacy coding.""It has good standard features for ETL development.""I like the completeness of the way I can build ETL workflows."

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"The data transformation is the solution's most valuable feature.""The most valuable feature is connectivity to data sources.""The user interface and user experience are perfectly all right.""Mainstream integration and real-time integration are the best features.""The agentless RCDC enablement through PowerExchange is a great idea and has worked very well so far.""The main benefit of PowerExchange is its native real-time capabilities. Competing tools are counting on third-party packages or Oracle to offer real-time capabilities. However, Informatica has a native ability to scan the data on the file system level and capture the changes almost instantly when I push it to the consumers. The solution has a powerful built-in replication engine.""This product is easy to install and it can be done in a few hours.""Overall, it's a good tool. It's currently number one on the market. It pretty much has all the necessary capabilities to pull the incremental data from the source system, technically speaking."

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"The scalability is great. It's one of the reasons we chose the solution.""​The installation of the client ODI Studio is easy.​""It allows us to use many languages to develop and to integrate practically all the technologies of the Oracle suite as well as those from non-Oracle vendors.""ODI's best features are customization, integration with other versioning tools, and the ability to define new knowledge modules.""All ETL code is stored in repositories in underlying database schemas. The number of users can access and work on the same solution using a client tool. So distributed teams can work on this tool in an efficient manner.""ODI's most valuable features are it utilizes the database engine and is very lightweight.""One of the standout features of ODI is its ability to prepare everything on a vertical level and create reusable components, which adds to its value.""I do not have to maintain a separate ETL instance. I can change the SQL when something is not performing correctly."

More Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) Pros →

Cons
"The licensing cost for Informatica is very high. Other all-in-one solutions have much lower prices than Informatica.""It would be nice to have all tools in one place. CDC needs more effort, as it's only easy to develop if you are familiar with Linux.""Informatica are very rigid when it comes to cloud migrations which discourages customers in moving their solution to the cloud.""It would be good to recreate the entire interface to make it easier for users to build workflows.""As a connector to big data, it is not well developed. We've had problems connecting Informatica with Hadoop. The functionality to connect Informatica with Hadoop, for me it's not good.""This solution needs the functionality to do batch processing of data. It also lacks connectivity to NoSQL, unstructured data sources.""We need another tool for monitoring. It would be easier if all the features were consolidated into one tool.""What needs improvement in Informatica PowerCenter is the cloud experience because, nowadays, other companies, such as AWS, Azure, and Google, have more experience in the cloud. The pricing for Informatica PowerCenter on the cloud is also very expensive for customers, so some customers prefer open-source tools or lower-priced tools, such as Azure. From my point of view, Informatica must work on the pricing policy and review the policy on the cloud for Informatica PowerCenter or propose more tools with lower pricing. Clients want the automatic integration of Informatica PowerCenter with other tools. Currently, the integration process is manual, and you have to add other tools to facilitate the integration, especially with the DevOps methodology. You need scripts and tools for the integration, and you'll need to use other integration tools if you want automatic deployment for Informatica PowerCenter, so this is another area for improvement in the solution. What I'd like to see in the next release of the solution is for the integration with APIs to be simpler, because currently, the API integration feature of Informatica PowerCenter is very difficult. It's not intuitive. You have to facilitate API integration and the real-time streaming of messages in Kafka, for example, so that should be improved."

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"The product's high costs can be an area of concern where improvements are required.""The major shortcoming of PowerExchange is high availability and failover. None of the versions we've used to date have had the out-of-the-box ability to enable failover and high-availability requirements. This is a significant challenge and risk.""Real-time has not been enhanced that much over the past few years. There has not been as many features added like they did before.""I would like to have easier integration with cloud platforms.""Integration with the largest number of databases and other systems would be important.""Pushdown optimization could be improved.""Should diversify more, maybe with a reporting and visualization utility,""Apache Spark has a machine learning algorithm, an area where Informatica PowerExchange lacks."

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"We used a third party to do the implementation of ODI.""At present, when multiple steps are executed in parallel in the load plan and errors occur, the error handling mechanism does not function correctly.""Stability could be improved because some operators have issues.""ODI could improve by being more user-friendly. Informatica, which is also an ETL tool, similar to ODI, but Informatica is very user-friendly, easy to use, and simple to integrate, compared to ODI. ODI has many features, put them all together, and sometimes we get confused about which ones to use, which ones not to use.""ODI could improve the ease of use. There is a steep learning curve to use the solution.""The resource management aspect of the solution could be improved.""I rate it a seven out of 10 because there is room for growth because ODI is still new, in comparison to Informatica, which is a mature product.""It lacks a suite of tools suitable for fully processing data and moving it into decision support warehouses."

More Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) Cons →

Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "We have found the pricing very cost-effective. The licensing is CPU and data source-based."
  • "Cost could be improved."
  • "Licensing is a one time cost. But maintenance costs depend on what you want, how long you need it. Maintenance is a kind of insurance. With health insurance, you don't know whether you will get sick or need to go to hospital or not but you have to have insurance. It's the same thing with support. If you have that expertise in resolving issues, if you have enough experience in your IT department, I would say you don't need the support. But in practice, they recommend you go with the support. If you want support you have to pay for it."
  • "Price-wise, it's more expensive than SSIS, but it's a better tool, so it has more features. Licensing is on a yearly basis."
  • "Its maintenance is expensive."
  • "It's much more expensive, almost three times more expensive than most other solutions."
  • "We are satisfied with the pricing."
  • "I consider this to be an expensive product."
  • More Informatica PowerCenter Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "An annual package license fee is required."
  • "The cost of PowerExchange is reasonable. It does not rely on complicated formulas or unrealistic equations. The pricing model is straightforward. There is one component, and real-time integration is included. Some other solutions require purchasing additional modules or third-party plugins for this capability."
  • "It's expensive. In fact, nobody would buy any product of Informatica if the price was the only consideration. It costs money, and it doesn't come cheap, but it provides value for money in many ways."
  • "There is a need to pay towards the licensing cost of the product. It is an expensive product."
  • "Many users don't prefer to use the product, considering the high costs attached to the licensing part of the solution."
  • "The product is not very expensive."
  • More Informatica PowerExchange Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Being an ODI developer, I never had to pay for this product. I know that the pricing/licensing is not really low, but the product is really good."
  • "We found that the cost compared to other integration tools is a little high, but the solution works great."
  • "The solution is expensive because of the model they use. The cost is for the license and for support."
  • "ODI comes included when buying the cloud version of the Oracle database license."
  • "There is a standard license to use the solution but there are other costs in addition, such as hardware and operating system."
  • "Per user, it is $900 USD per year, though they will give some discount. However, even a 60% to 70% of discount for each won't help us much. On top of that, there is the perpetual license you must pay at the outset."
  • "I have yet to determine the exact figure for Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) pricing, but it has lower pricing than Informatica."
  • "The Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) pricing isn't expensive, but it's not cheap, so it's in the middle. I'd rate the pricing as three out of five."
  • More Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Comparison Review
    Anonymous User
    Technology has made it easier for businesses to organize and manipulate data to get a clearer picture of what’s going on with their business. Notably, ETL tools have made managing huge amounts of data significantly easier and faster, boosting many organizations’ business intelligence operations There are many third-party vendors offering ETL solutions, but two of the most popular are PowerCenter Informatica and Microsoft SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services). Each technology has its advantages but there are also similarities on how they carry out the extract-transform-load processes and only differ in terminologies. If you’re in the process of choosing ETL tools and PowerCenter Informatica and Microsoft SSIS made it to your shortlist, here is a short comparative discussion detailing the differences between the two, as well as their benefits. Package Configuration Most enterprise data integration projects would require the capacity to develop a solution in one platform and test and deploy it in a separate environment without having to manually change the established workflow. In order to achieve this seamless movement between two environments, your ETL technology should allow the dynamic update of the project’s properties using the content or a parameter file or configuration. Both Informatica and SSIS support this functionality using different methodologies. In Informatica, every session can have more than one source and one or more destination connections. There are… Read more →
    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:Azure Data Factory is flexible, modular, and works well. In terms of cost, it is not too pricey. It offers the stability… more »
    Top Answer:SSIS PowerPack is a group of drag and drop connectors for Microsoft SQL Server Integration Services, commonly called… more »
    Top Answer:Complex transformations can easily be achieved using PowerCenter, which has all the features and tools to establish a… more »
    Top Answer:The product's initial setup phase was not complex. The tool is easy to install onto any of the servers, and you can… more »
    Top Answer:Many users don't prefer to use the product, considering the high costs attached to the licensing part of the solution.
    Top Answer:The product's functionality attached to the logs is an area of concern where improvements are required. Sometimes, the… more »
    Top Answer:Oracle Integration Cloud Service has a fairly easy initial setup, and Oracle offers initial support and guidance for… more »
    Top Answer:The solution is very expensive. If it is cheaper, more people can use it. Oracle licensing is complex to understand. We… more »
    Ranking
    3rd
    out of 94 in Data Integration
    Views
    20,419
    Comparisons
    16,998
    Reviews
    30
    Average Words per Review
    472
    Rating
    7.6
    21st
    out of 94 in Data Integration
    Views
    2,856
    Comparisons
    2,156
    Reviews
    7
    Average Words per Review
    600
    Rating
    7.6
    4th
    out of 94 in Data Integration
    Views
    15,880
    Comparisons
    9,106
    Reviews
    15
    Average Words per Review
    435
    Rating
    8.1
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    PowerCenter
    PowerExchange, Connectors
    ODI
    Learn More
    Overview

    Informatica PowerCenter is a data integration and data visualization tool. The solution works as an enterprise data integration platform that helps organizations access, transform, and integrate data from various systems. The product is designed to support companies in the full cycle of a project, from its initial rollout to critical deployments. Informatica PowerCenter allows developers and analysts to collaborate while accelerating the work process to deploy projects within days instead of months.

    The Advanced edition of the product provides an additional real-time engine which allows companies to have always-on enterprise data integration. This ensures seamless collaboration and increment of data lineage visibility and impacts analysis.

    The Premium edition of the solution offers an early warning system that detects unexpected behaviors or incorrect utilization of resources in the workflows and alerts companies in the case that these occur. This version of the product also offers automatic data validation, which ensures data accuracy and reduces testing time and expenditure of resources for by up to 90%.

    Informatica PowerCenter Features

    The product provides users with various features which allow them to execute data integration initiatives such as analytics, data warehousing, data governance, consolidation, and application migration. The features of the solution include:

    • Collaboration: Informatica PowerCenter offers role-based tools and processes which enable business self-service while benefiting from high-quality IT resources.

    • Automation: Through various automations and easy-to-use software, users can utilize graphical and codeless tools and initiate effective data integration without additional knowledge.

    • Scalability: The tool provides high scalability to users, which ensures seamless performance and minimum downtime. PowerCenter also has adaptive load balancing, pushdown optimization, and dynamic partitioning.

    • Monitoring: Through the extensive monitoring feature, the operations and governance of the solution are easily overseen by users. The tool also provides alerts that can prevent damage to the system.

    • Real-time data: Through real-time data, users can monitor applications and analytics, ensuring their efficient operation.

    • Prototyping: Informatica lets its users collaborate with information technology to prototype, profile, and validate results in a timely manner.

    • Connectivity: Users can access and integrate data from different types of sources through high-performance connectors.

    • Automated data validation testing: The product offers script-free automated and repeatable audit and validation of data.

    • Data transformation: This feature allows users to use comprehensive parsing of JSON, PDF, XML, Microsoft Office, and the Internet of Things (IoT) for non-relation data.

    • Cloud applications connectivity: The product allows for seamless connection to cloud application sources and targets.

    Informatica PowerCenter Benefits

    The benefits of using Informatica PowerCenter include:

    • The tool can work over a wide range of systems and platforms and also allows for lean integration.

    • It enhances the quality and speed of performance and optimizes the cost of the process for your organization.

    • PowerCenter supports multiple databases, including TPump, Parallel Transporter Fastload, and Teradata MLoad.

    • The tool is very easy to monitor and maintain, which simplifies the data integration process for companies.

    • The centralized error logging system allows users to locate errors in a timely manner and correct them.

    • The tool can convert data from an application to another format, as it serves as one of the most powerful data transformation solutions.

    • PowerCenter can also serve as middleware between two applications.

    • The solution offers both parallel processing and load balancing.

    • PowerCenter is a tool with a high level of security, which also minimizes essential administration activities.

    • The solution ensures the quality of information, as it does not allow invalid or unwanted data to be uploaded to the source.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Yahya T., a developer and architect at L'Oreal, says the product is stable, provides good support, and integrating it with other systems is very fast.

    Mohamed E., a senior manager for Data management and data governance at a tech company, says PowerCenter is stable, mature, and offers flexibility in building the pipeline and has a drag-and-drop mode because it's GUI-based; technical support is brilliant.

    Informatica PowerExchange Connectors provides high performance, out-of-the-box connectivity without having to develop custom data access programs.

    Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) is a data integration software solution that provides a unified infrastructure to streamline data and application integration projects. It uses a powerful design approach to data integration, which separates the declarative rules from the implementation details. The solution is based on a unique ELT (Extract Load Transform) architecture, eliminating the need for a standalone ETL server and proprietary engine. 

    Oracle Data Integrator Features

    ODI has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

    • Automatic documentation generation
    • Visualization of data flows in the interfaces
    • Customization of generated code
    • Automatic reverse-engineering of existing applications or databases
    • Graphical development and maintenance of transformation and integration interfaces
    • Robust data integrity control features, assuring the consistency and correctness of data
    • Powerful core differentiators
    • Heterogeneous ELT, declarative design and knowledge modules
    • Flexibility and modularity
    • Oracle Data Integrator repository
    • Topology navigator
    • Operator Navigator
    • Security Navigator
    • Integrator Console
    • ODI domains

    Oracle Data Integrator Benefits

    There are many benefits to implementing ODI. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

    • Efficient architecture: Oracle Data Integrator has a simple architecture that utilizes the source and target servers to perform complex transformations, making it an efficient solution.
    • Supports all platforms: ODI gives you platform independence by supporting all platforms, hardware, and OSes with the same software.
    • Cost-effective: Oracle Data Integrator reduces costs associated with initial hardware and software acquisition, and also decreases maintenance costs because it eliminates the need for an ETL Server and an ETL engine.
    • Automatic detection of faulty data: By using ODI, faulty data is recycled before insertion in the target application, providing you with a data quality firewall.
    • Easy development and maintenance: With a low learning curve, Oracle Data Integrator increases developer productivity while facilitating ongoing maintenance. 
    • Active integration: ODI includes all styles of data integration: data-based, event-based and service-based.

    Reviews from Real Users

    Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by PeerSpot users currently using the Oracle Data Integrator (ODI) solution.

    Brian D., Business Process and Strategy Specialist Advisor at NTTData, says, “The Knowledge Module (KM) is my favorite feature of ODI. This is where I learned how to use variables to make jobs dynamic. I took that knowledge and created a KM that would go into iTunes and pull the sales of eBooks. Making something that is reusable, like a KM, is important to not only reduce build time but also maintenance in the future.”

    Ashok S., Applications Support Manager at a marketing services firm, mentions, "The most valuable features of ODI are the ease of development, you can have a template, and you can onboard transfer very quickly. There's a lot of knowledge modules available that we can use. If you want to connect, for example, a Sibyl, SQL, Oracle, or different products, we don't have to develop them from scratch. They are available, but if it's not, we can go into the marketplace and see if there's a connector there. Having the connector available reduces the amount of hard work needed. We only have to put the inputs and outputs. In some of the products, we use there is already integration available for ODI, which is helpful."

    Sample Customers
    University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, LexisNexis, Rabobank
    ACH Food, BNSF Railway Company, Illinois State University
    Griffith University, Kansas City Power & Light, Keste, Raymond James Financial, Valdosta State University
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company22%
    Financial Services Firm20%
    Retailer7%
    Insurance Company7%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Financial Services Firm18%
    Computer Software Company12%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Insurance Company7%
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company25%
    Insurance Company25%
    Comms Service Provider13%
    Financial Services Firm13%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Financial Services Firm26%
    Insurance Company12%
    Computer Software Company12%
    Government7%
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm25%
    Comms Service Provider11%
    Computer Software Company8%
    University6%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Financial Services Firm16%
    Computer Software Company14%
    Government8%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise74%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise74%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business37%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise53%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business12%
    Midsize Enterprise8%
    Large Enterprise80%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business30%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise53%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business17%
    Midsize Enterprise12%
    Large Enterprise71%
    Buyer's Guide
    Data Integration
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Microsoft, Informatica, Oracle and others in Data Integration. Updated: March 2024.
    765,234 professionals have used our research since 2012.