One area in which ApexSQL Comparison Studio 2008 leaves its competitors in the dust is comparison of SSIS packages. ApexSQL SSIS Compare lets you dig into every facet of your SSIS packages and enumerate every possible setting or configuration detail. Although ApexSQL SSIS Compare doesn’t synchronize packages, it’s still a great feature for organizations that depend heavily on SSIS and extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL), and it can be a lifesaver when troubleshooting packages and validating changes. Both of ApexSQL’s competitors lack this powerful option.
ApexSQL Comparison Studio 2008 offers compelling strengths and benefits. It’s a strong competitor for both Red Gate and SQL Delta.
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ApexSQL Comparison Studio 2008
PROS: Cost-effective; better customization and integration than competing solutions; ApexSQL SSIS Compare is a powerful feature that competitors’ bundles don’t include
CONS: Although ApexSQL’s comparison options are more flexible than competing solutions, they are more difficult to configure and manage; needs a better UI for making quick data comparisons in just a table or two
RATING: 4.5 out of 5
PRICE: $299 each for ApexSQL Diff, ApexSQL Data Diff, and ApexSQL SSIS Compare; $599 for ApexSQL Diff API; $299 for ApexSQL Script; ApexSQL Comparison Studio includes all solutions for $699; attractive maintenance and renewal fees
RECOMMENDATION: ApexSQL Comparison Studio is a great deal and includes competitive tools and options not found in competing solutions. Although the data comparison UI needs a bit of work, this fantastic solution is definitely worth a download and evaluation.
CONTACT: ApexSQL • 919-968-8444 • www.apexsql.com
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Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo...
All three of the solutions I reviewed are competitive in terms of features, capabilities, performance, and ability to improve productivity. Consequently, pricing and bundling of solutions play a big role in determining which solution might best meet your needs.
Red Gate’s SQL Compare and SQL Data Compare are $395 each. Pro versions of each product are $595, providing command-line interactions, support for source control, and other benefits. You can also buy both tools bundled together with SQL Dependency Tracker (a phenomenal tool in its own right) and SQL Packager for $695. (This bundle doesn’t include the Pro versions of SQL Compare and SQL Data Compare, which makes me wish that Red Gate offered a Pro Comparison Bundle for $895.)
ApexSQL’s products are similarly priced. ApexSQL’s Comparison Studio is $699 and includes core differencing components, a packaging solution, APIs, and ApexSQL SSIS Compare. You can also purchase components separately, at $299 each.
Red Gate’s and ApexSQL’s bundles are great values, but SQL Delta is also competitively priced. It’s a cheaper overall solution, albeit with fewer features—but it’s a steal if you don’t need some of Red Gate’s or ApexSQL’s more advanced features and capabilities.
All three solutions will help you save significant time, so they’ll quickly pay for themselves. If you don’t already have a comparison and synchronization solution, you should get one. Each of the solutions I reviewed is available for a minimum 14-day trial. Because each solution has strengths and benefits, I recommend that you try them all to determine which one best meets your organization’s long-term needs. If you’ve been managing differences manually or through scripts, any one of these solutions will be a huge improvement.