Azure Application Insights vs Skylight: What are the differences?

# Azure Application Insights vs Skylight

Azure Application Insights and Skylight are both performance monitoring tools that help developers track and debug their applications. However, there are key differences between the two that developers need to consider before choosing the right tool for their needs.

1. **Integration with Azure Services**: Azure Application Insights is deeply integrated with other Azure services, making it the preferred choice for applications hosted on the Azure cloud platform. Skylight, on the other hand, is a standalone tool that can be used with any hosting provider, offering more flexibility for developers working across different cloud environments.
   
2. **Programming Language Support**: Azure Application Insights primarily supports applications developed in .NET, Java, Node.js, and Python, while Skylight focuses on Ruby on Rails applications. Developers using other programming languages may find Azure Application Insights more suitable for their needs due to its wider language support.

3. **Performance Metrics**: Azure Application Insights provides a comprehensive set of performance metrics, including request rates, response times, failure rates, and dependency tracking. Skylight, on the other hand, offers detailed insights into Ruby on Rails applications, with specific metrics tailored to the framework's performance characteristics.

4. **Alerting Capabilities**: Azure Application Insights has robust alerting capabilities that allow developers to set up alerts based on various performance thresholds and conditions. Skylight also provides alerting features, but they are more focused on the specific metrics and behavior of Ruby on Rails applications.

5. **Deployment Options**: Azure Application Insights is a cloud-based service that is managed by Microsoft, while Skylight offers both a cloud-based solution and an on-premises option. This gives developers more flexibility in how they deploy and manage their performance monitoring solution based on their specific requirements.

6. **Cost Structure**: Azure Application Insights follows a subscription-based pricing model with different tiers based on the volume of data and features required. Skylight, on the other hand, offers a per-host pricing model, which may be more cost-effective for smaller applications or organizations with limited monitoring needs.

In Summary, Azure Application Insights and Skylight have distinct differences in terms of integration, language support, performance metrics, alerting capabilities, deployment options, and cost structure, making it essential for developers to evaluate their specific requirements before selecting the right tool for monitoring their applications.