Stream processing made easy with Apache StreamPipes
Cluster Operation
StreamPipes' microservice approach includes the UI, the StreamPipes core for pipeline management, and all extensions, such as Connect adapters and pipeline elements. Flexible orchestration is available using Docker. In addition to the widely used AMD-based architectures, StreamPipes now also supports ARM-based systems.
The ARM support means that, for certain use cases, individual algorithm containers can be started on small edge devices, such as a Jetson Nano or Raspberry Pi, while the pipeline management core is hosted centrally. This is achieved by means of multi-architecture Docker images available on Docker Hub. These images are annotated via the Docker Manifest feature, so the user does not need to adjust the image tags in deployment descriptions. With a combination of architecture-specific image tags and an associated Docker manifest, you can create a one-size-fits-all image description that agnostically retrieves the right image of Docker Hub for the system architecture.
Experience has shown that containerizing services makes it possible to implement different operation options, from single server instances to full cluster operations. For single-server deployment, the StreamPipes environment can be quickly and easily launched using Docker Compose, a tool in the Docker ecosystem for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. The StreamPipes services defined in a YAML file are configured this way and then started locally with a single command.
Especially in use cases where high-powered computing resources are not available internally, or where the cloud is not an option, even a user without in-depth Docker skills can set up an executable StreamPipes instance in a few minutes. In addition to server operation, you can also provision small, portable mini PCs with StreamPipes.
It is also possible to use StreamPipes in distributed clusters. For this purpose, you can operate the individual microservices in a Kubernetes infrastructure, using Kubernetes' Helm package manger to reduce complexity. Helm lets you combine relatively complex Kubernetes YAML manifests into a single package. You can install StreamPipes' own Helm chart very easily in a Kubernetes cluster using a one-liner:
$ cd incubator-streampipes-installer/k8s $ helm install streampipes ./
This also means that you can create Kubernetes clusters of edge nodes on the shop floor, as well as on centralized back-end servers. StreamPipes Connect can then connect the data at an early stage directly at the machine and, if necessary, set up processing algorithms for transformation, filtering, enrichment, and so on. This approach ensures that you don't necessarily have to transmit all the raw data, which is often not feasible due to restrictions such as latency, available bandwidth, or data sovereignty.
A blog post on the StreamPipes website contains detailed information about using the StreamPipes Helm chart in an example Raspberry Pi 4 Kubernetes cluster based on Rancher's lightweight K3s distribution.
Conclusions
The relatively young Apache StreamPipes incubator project by the Apache Software Foundation seeks to improve the accessibility of data stream-based applications for business users. With the underlying microservices approach, StreamPipes seeks to achieve the greatest possible reusability of the individual components. In the end, however, you'll need to decide whether the flexibility benefits of a modular solution exceed the benefits of a customized, programmed application.
In addition to StreamPipes and the popular Apache Flink and Apache Kafka tools, the Apache Software Foundation offers other projects that are useful in IoT deployment scenarios. The top-level Apache PLC4X project, for example, focuses especially on connecting machine data in an industrial context. Apache IoTDB is a relatively new database that specializes in persisting time series. The Apache Software Foundation maintains a strong community-driven approach to development. The developer community welcomes contributions of all kinds, enabling everyone to contribute to building a strong, open source IoT ecosystem.
Infos
- Apache StreamPipes: https://streampipes.apache.org
- StreamPipes on GitHub: https://github.com/apache/incubator-streampipes
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Gnome OS Transitioning Toward a General-Purpose Distro
If you're looking for the perfectly vanilla take on the Gnome desktop, Gnome OS might be for you.
-
Fedora 41 Released with New Features
If you're a Fedora fan or just looking for a Linux distribution to help you migrate from Windows, Fedora 41 might be just the ticket.
-
AlmaLinux OS Kitten 10 Gives Power Users a Sneak Preview
If you're looking to kick the tires of AlmaLinux's upstream version, the developers have a purrfect solution.
-
Gnome 47.1 Released with a Few Fixes
The latest release of the Gnome desktop is all about fixing a few nagging issues and not about bringing new features into the mix.
-
System76 Unveils an Ampere-Powered Thelio Desktop
If you're looking for a new desktop system for developing autonomous driving and software-defined vehicle solutions. System76 has you covered.
-
VirtualBox 7.1.4 Includes Initial Support for Linux kernel 6.12
The latest version of VirtualBox has arrived and it not only adds initial support for kernel 6.12 but another feature that will make using the virtual machine tool much easier.
-
New Slimbook EVO with Raw AMD Ryzen Power
If you're looking for serious power in a 14" ultrabook that is powered by Linux, Slimbook has just the thing for you.
-
The Gnome Foundation Struggling to Stay Afloat
The foundation behind the Gnome desktop environment is having to go through some serious belt-tightening due to continued financial problems.
-
Thousands of Linux Servers Infected with Stealth Malware Since 2021
Perfctl is capable of remaining undetected, which makes it dangerous and hard to mitigate.
-
Halcyon Creates Anti-Ransomware Protection for Linux
As more Linux systems are targeted by ransomware, Halcyon is stepping up its protection.