Apache Spark vs Google Cloud Dataproc

October 28, 2025 | Author: Michael Stromann
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Apache Spark
Apache Spark is a fast and general engine for large-scale data processing. Run programs up to 100x faster than Hadoop MapReduce in memory, or 10x faster on disk. Write applications quickly in Java, Scala or Python. Combine SQL, streaming, and complex analytics.
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Google Cloud Dataproc
Google Cloud Dataproc is a managed Hadoop MapReduce, Spark, Pig, and Hive service designed to easily and cost effectively process big datasets. You can quickly create managed clusters of any size and turn them off when you are finished, so you only pay for what you need. Cloud Dataproc is integrated across several Google Cloud Platform products, so you have access to a simple, powerful, and complete data processing platform.

Apache Spark vs Google Cloud Dataproc in our news:

2015. Google launched new managed Big Data service Cloud Dataproc



Google is adding another product in its range of big data services on the Google Cloud Platform - Cloud Dataproc service, that sits between managing the Spark data processing engine or Hadoop framework directly on virtual machines and a fully managed service like Cloud Dataflow, which lets you orchestrate your data pipelines on Google’s platform. Dataproc users will be able to spin up a Hadoop cluster in under 90 seconds — significantly faster than other services — and Google will only charge 1 cent per virtual CPU/hour in the cluster. That’s on top of the usual cost of running virtual machines and data storage, but you can add Google’s cheaper preemptible instances to your cluster to save a bit on compute costs. Billing is per-minute, with a 10-minute minimum. Because Dataproc can spin up clusters this fast, users will be able to set up ad-hoc clusters when needed and because it is managed, Google will handle the administration for them.

Author: Michael Stromann
Michael is an expert in IT Service Management, IT Security and software development. With his extensive experience as a software developer and active involvement in multiple ERP implementation projects, Michael brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his writings. Having previously worked at SAP, he has honed his expertise and gained a deep understanding of software development and implementation processes. Currently, as a freelance developer, Michael continues to contribute to the IT community by sharing his insights through guest articles published on several IT portals. You can contact Michael by email stromann@liventerprise.com