Hazelcast vs NCache: What are the differences?

Introduction

Hazelcast and NCache are both in-memory data grids (IMDGs) that provide high-performance data storage and manipulation capabilities. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between them that set them apart in terms of features, architecture, and usage scenarios.

1. Architecture: Hazelcast is based on a peer-to-peer architecture, where each node in the cluster is equal and can store data and execute operations independently. On the other hand, NCache follows a client-server architecture, where clients interact with a central server to access the data grid. This architecture allows NCache to provide additional features such as client-side caching and data consistency.

2. Pub-Sub Messaging: Hazelcast offers a built-in publish-subscribe messaging system, which enables communication between different members of the cluster. This allows for real-time event-driven processing and distribution of messages. In contrast, NCache does not provide a native pub-sub messaging system, although it can be integrated with other messaging systems.

3. Cache Topologies: Hazelcast supports a wide range of cache topologies, including distributed caches, replicated caches, and partitioned caches. This flexibility allows developers to choose the most suitable caching strategy for their application. NCache, on the other hand, focuses on providing high-performance distributed caching with options for replication and partitioning, but not as extensive as Hazelcast.

4. Data Partitioning: Hazelcast uses a dynamic partitioning strategy, where data is automatically distributed across the cluster based on the keys. This allows for load balancing and scalability as the cluster size grows. NCache, on the other hand, provides more control over data partitioning by allowing developers to manually assign data to specific partitions. This can be useful in certain scenarios where data locality or affinity is important.

5. Integration with .NET: NCache has deep integration with the .NET framework, providing native support for .NET APIs and libraries. This makes it a popular choice for enterprises using Microsoft technologies. Hazelcast, on the other hand, is a Java-centric solution, although it does provide support for other programming languages through client libraries.

6. Commercial Support: NCache is commercially supported by Alachisoft, a dedicated company that provides professional support, consulting services, and regular updates for the product. Hazelcast, although it also offers commercial support, follows a more community-driven model with a large open-source community providing support and contributions.

In Summary, Hazelcast and NCache differ in their architecture, support for pub-sub messaging, cache topologies, data partitioning strategies, integration with .NET, and the level of commercial support provided. These differences make them suitable for different use cases and application requirements.