At Hakkoda, we understand how important the right technology stack is for helping our customers get more out of their data. We also know that “lift and shift” approaches to data modernization just don’t cut it when it comes to our customers’ data needs, and we are always looking for ways to help those customers get more value out of their Snowflake investments, faster.
Fivetran’s new hybrid model is an excellent example of that kind of value amplification, with the potential to be a game changer for customers struggling to move to the cloud. Hybrid Deployment combines the simplicity of cloud configuration with the flexibility to run pipelines anywhere using container-based compute.
Who Does Hybrid Deployment Benefit?
Fivetran’s Hybrid Deployment model is ideal for companies migrating data from on-premise environments to the Snowflake AI Data Cloud. While many data sources are already cloud-based, making Fivetran a natural fit, the hybrid model offers a solution for companies needing extra layers of security.
For example, standard Fivetran connectors, such as Salesforce, allow users to configure a direct link or to leverage PrivateLink, as shown in the following screenshot.
However, for companies with data locked in private data centers or VPCs, two key concerns often arise:
- Network Security: Traditional Fivetran pipelines require external connections into the datacenter, which can be a deal-breaker for some organizations. Solutions like Reverse SSH VPNs can help, but they involve complex network setups that can become an additional obstacle.
Data Location: Even with secure cloud processes, some companies are uncomfortable with their data being processed outside their own environment. This hesitation can delay or stop critical projects before they even get off the ground.
How the Hybrid Model Works
The following diagram showcases the difference between Fivetran’s traditional model SaaS and their Hybrid offering:
In a typical pipeline, data flows from a Postgres source, through Fivetran, to a Snowflake destination—all managed within Fivetran’s network.
In the hybrid model, the Fivetran console remains the same, but the runtime can now be hosted anywhere. This allows data processing to occur directly within the customer’s network, maintaining all security features of Fivetran while giving companies more control over their data flow.
In short, every pipeline still benefits from the excellent security features already available in Fivetran and combines it with a customer managed topology.
Hakkoda has identified three areas where a Hybrid Model could become the default choice for many pipelines:
- Healthcare and Financial services: Both industries rely on legacy systems and have stringent security requirements. The hybrid model offers the flexibility needed to meet these demands.
- SAP Systems: As the backbone of many enterprises, SAP systems are often located in highly secure zones within data centers. Hybrid Deployment makes it easier to unlock this data for new insights.
Hybrid Deployment and the Art of the Possible
Curious if Hybrid Deployment is available for your pipeline? Simply log in to the Fivetran console and see if the source and destination both have the Hybrid Deployment icon next to them, as highlighted in the image below:
If available, deploying an agent in a supported container runtime will allow you to run local pipelines with ease.
Need multiple locations? No problem—just deploy agents at each site and manage them centrally. For a full list of supported sources and destinations, visit the Hybrid Deployment architecture overview.
Ready to explore how Fivetran’s Hybrid Deployment might fit into your data strategy—streamlining your migration to the cloud or helping to unlock insights in your SAP systems? Talk to one of Hakkoda’s modern data stack experts today.
