The data warehouse is likely the biggest investment in your data stack. Once it’s in place, it’s often the hardest component to change, so choosing the right one is crucial.
As a platform-agnostic data consultancy, we’ve worked with all major data warehouses and learned that the "best" choice isn't one-size-fits-all. It all depends on your team's needs, your current tech stack, and your future goals. Here are the six key questions we ask when helping teams make a decision.
When we talk about enterprise data warehouses, we're referring to platforms designed for primary data use cases, such as business intelligence (BI), data science, and analytics. These platforms are optimized to manage large volumes of data for reporting, analysis, and decision-making. They are not typically intended for production use cases, such as transactional systems or real-time application support.
At Data Culture, we focus on helping teams choose the right data warehouse for these primary use cases. There are several key players in this space, each with its own strengths depending on your team’s needs and infrastructure.
Here's a breakdown of the major platforms that dominate the enterprise data warehouse space:
1. What cloud infrastructure are you already using (GCP, AWS, Azure)?
2. Do you have in-house data engineering expertise?
3. How important is predictable cost and billing transparency?
4. Will you need specialized or advanced features?
5. Do you have significant compliance, governance, or security requirements?
6. Are you optimizing for now or planning for future scale?
Let’s dive in to each one.
Choosing a warehouse that fits your existing cloud stack reduces friction, speeds up setup, and streamlines billing and security.
Consider your options:
The bottom line:Stick with your cloud provider unless multi-cloud flexibility is a priority, then Snowflake leads the pack.
The level of technical skill on your team should shape how much you invest in managing vs. automating infrastructure and performance. Do you have engineers who can manage performance tuning, or are you looking for a warehouse that’s easy to use with minimal overhead?
Consider your options:
The bottom line:Choose a warehouse that matches your team’s capabilities. Snowflake “just works,” while Redshift and BigQuery require more tuning and cost awareness.
Understanding your cost structure upfront helps avoid unexpected expenses and aligns with budgeting needs.
Consider your options:
The bottom line:If predictability is key, Snowflake is the best bet but comes at a higher price point. However, if you're okay with more variability and have a team to optimize performance, BigQuery or Redshift could be more cost-effective.
Advanced features like real-time processing, secure data sharing, and machine learning capabilities can drive efficiency and help address specific business needs.
Consider your options:
The bottom line:Most warehouses support a flavor of these special features, but if your data strategy relies heavily on one, it might be worth tipping the scales toward the platform that excels in that area.
Choosing the right security model is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and meeting your compliance needs.
Consider your options:
The bottom line:While all platforms offer strong security, if you're in a highly regulated environment or need to meet stringent compliance standards, Snowflake and Microsoft Fabric are great options due to their advanced security controls.
Deciding whether to optimize for immediate needs or future growth will influence your platform choice. Do you need quick solutions, or are you planning for scalable infrastructure?
Consider your options:
The bottom line:For quick, near-term setup at a low cost, BigQuery is ideal. For long-term scalability, Snowflake is your best bet.
Note on migration: Avoid choosing a warehouse with the intention to migrate off of it later. It’s usually very costly and a huge headache. That said, emerging tools are making migrations easier, particularly from Redshift to Snowflake, with tools like SnowConvert and likely more support in the future.
Making the right choice for your data warehouse isn't just about selecting a platform, it’s about finding the one that fits your team’s capabilities, aligns with your tech stack, and supports your long-term growth goals. Take the time to ask these questions, and you'll be well on your way to choosing the right warehouse for your business.
Need help deciding?
We’re happy to provide a 30-minute advisory call to suggest a recommendation based on your needs. Grab some time on our calendar and we'll be happy to help, free of charge!
