Comparison: JMS Message Queue vs. Apache Kafka

Comparing JMS-based message queue (MQ) infrastructures and Apache Kafka-based data streaming is a widespread topic. Unfortunately, the battle is an apple-to-orange comparison that often includes misinformation and FUD from vendors. This blog post explores the differences, trade-offs, and architectures of JMS message brokers and Kafka deployments. Learn how to choose between JMS brokers like IBM MQ or RabbitMQ and open-source Kafka or serverless cloud services like Confluent Cloud.

(Originally posted on Kai Waehner’s blog: “Comparison: JMS Message Queue vs. Apache Kafka”… Stay informed about new blog posts by subscribing to my newsletter)

Motivation: The battle of apples vs. oranges

I have to discuss the differences and trade-offs between JMS message brokers and Apache Kafka every week in customer meetings. What annoys me most is the common misunderstandings and (sometimes) intentional FUD in various blogs, articles, and presentations about this discussion.

I recently discussed this topic with Clement Escoffier from Red Hat in the “Coding over Cocktails” Podcast: JMS vs. Kafka: Technology Smackdown. A great conversation with more agreement than you might expect from such an episode where I picked the “Kafka proponent” while Clement took over the role of the…