HDInsight is a service from Microsoft that brings an Apache Hadoop-based solution to the cloud. A modern, cloud-based data platform that manages data whether structured or unstructured, and of any size, HDInsight makes it possible for you to gain the full value of big data.
In addition, HDInsight offers the following benefits:
Insights with familiar tools:
Through deep integration with Microsoft BI tools such as PowerPivot and Power View, HDInsight enables you to easily analyze data for insights. Seamlessly combine data from several sources, including HDInsight, with Microsoft Power Query for Excel. Easily map your data with new Power Map, a three-dimensional mapping Excel 2013 add-in.
Enterprise-ready capabilities:
HDInsight offers enterprise-class security, scalability, and manageability. Thanks to a dedicated secure node, HDInsight helps you secure your cluster. You can also take full advantage of the elastic scalability of Windows Azure. In addition, we simplify manageability of your cluster through extensive support for Windows PowerShell scripting.
Rich developer experience:
HDInsight offers powerful programming capabilities with a choice of technologies including Microsoft .NET, Java and other languages. .NET developers can exploit the full power of Language-Integrated Query with LINQ to Hive. And database developers can use existing skills to query and transform data through Hive.
To get started with HDInsight:
1. Visit the Windows Azure Management Portal.
2. In the bottom left, click New.
3. Under Data Services, click HDInsight.
4. Click Quick Create, and then follow the quick-start steps.
Pricing
HDInsight pricing consists of two components: a head node and one or more compute nodes.
Head node – The head node is available in the Extra Large instance size and will continue to be billed at the preview price of $0.32 per hour per cluster through November 30, 2013. On December 1, 2013, the new price will be $0.64 per hour per cluster.
Compute node – Compute nodes are available in the Large instance size and will continue to be billed at the preview price of $0.16 per hour per instance deployed through November 30, 2013. On December 1, 2013, the new price will be $0.32 per hour per instance deployed.
Metering Change
During preview, customers were billed for HDInsight using the Windows Azure Cloud Services Small instance meter. To achieve the preview price, head node usage was emitted at four hours for each clock hour, and compute node usage was emitted at two hours for each clock hour. Customers will continue to enjoy the same preview prices through November 30, 2013.
On December 1, 2013, a new HDInsight meter will be introduced that will emit usage of the head node at eight hours for each clock hour and compute nodes at four hours for each clock hour in order to effect the general availability price.
HDInsight Node Type |
Clock Hours |
Preview: Cloud Services Small Instance Hours (used through November 30, 2013) |
GA: HDInsight Hours (effective December 1, 2013) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Head Node | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| Compute Node | 1 | 2 | 4 |
In the detailed CSV download available in the account center, you will notice a difference in the Resource GUIDs used to meter the HDInsight service. The changes to the HDInsight meters are summarized in the table below. This example assumes an HDInsight cluster with two compute nodes deployed for five hours.
Time Frame |
Name |
Type |
ResourceGuid |
Consumed (that is, hours reported) |
Service |
Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||||
| Preview usage (through November 30, 2013) | Cloud Services | 8b8c895b-bca0-4f0e-9fbb-16c13512b8d0 | 40 | HDInsight | ||
| General Availability usage (effective December 1, 2013) | Business Analytics | HDInsight | b0b01749-c39b-4275-b283-6a92aabc3347 | 40 | 8 | ComputeXLarge |
| General Availability usage (effective December 1, 2013) | Business Analytics | HDInsight | b0b01749-c39b-4275-b283-6a92aabc3347 | 40 | ComputeLarge | |
For additional pricing information, please see the HDInsight Pricing Details webpage.