In today’s fast-moving world, real-time data isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Over the past decade, data streaming has transformed from niche tech to a must-have capability, empowering businesses to gain real-time insights, streamline operations, and uncover new opportunities.

Having spent 7+ years at Confluent, I’ve been privileged to witness and contribute to this evolution firsthand. From our beginnings as a small Silicon Valley startup to becoming a global leader with a ~$1 billion USD run rate, Confluent has been at the forefront of this transformation. Along the way, I’ve seen countless organizations unlock the power of real-time data, and it’s been incredible to watch Apache Kafka and Flink evolve into essential tools for innovation.

Now, I’m excited to share my free eBook: “The Ultimate Data Streaming Guide: Concepts, Use Cases, Industry Stories”, which I wrote with my colleague Evi Schneider over the past few months. Inside, you’ll find:

• Core Concepts: Understand why data streaming is reshaping industries.
• Industry Use Cases: Explore how leaders in automotive, finance, retail, and beyond are leveraging real-time data.
• Customer Success Stories: Learn from companies like BMW and others leading the way with Apache Kafka and Flink.
• Building a Data Streaming Organization: Best practices and real lief examples from our living and breathing customer communities

TL;DR: Download the new, free ebook “THE ULTIMATE DATA STREAMING GUIDE – Concepts, Use Cases, Industry Stories” to learn about data streaming use cases and customer stories with Apache Kafka and Flink across all industries.

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Chapter 1: Data Streaming with Apache Kafka and Flink in an Event-driven Architecture

Data streaming is the continuous flow of data in motion to allow businesses processing and acting on information as events occur. Unlike traditional batch processing systems, which collect and analyze data at intervals, data streaming enables real-time data processing and decision-making, leading to faster insights and more agile operations.

At the heart of data streaming are Apache Kafka and Apache Flink, two open-source technologies that have become the de facto standards in the field.

• Apache Kafka: Originally developed as a distributed event-streaming platform, Kafka has evolved into the backbone for real-time data pipelines and business applications. It supports high throughput and scalability, enabling organizations to collect, store, and distribute events across applications and systems seamlessly for analytical and operational workloads.
• Apache Flink: As a stream processing framework, Flink complements Kafka by providing powerful capabilities for real-time analytics and complex event processing. Flink’s stateful processing and advanced features make it ideal for applications such as fraud detection, predictive maintenance, and personalization.

The first book chapter explores the transformative power of event-driven architecture in addressing the challenges of fragmented, batch-oriented data systems. It highlights the value of real-time data streaming technologies, such as Apache Kafka and Flink, in enabling operational efficiency, actionable insights, and forward-thinking architectures like the “Shift Left Architecture” to empower businesses with faster, more reliable decision-making.

Chapter 2: Open Source, Cloud and AI: The Winning Combination

Kafka and Flink’s open-source nature offers unparalleled flexibility and innovation. Their vibrant communities ensure the constant evolution and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. Companies often deploy these platforms in combination with cloud-native services like Confluent Cloud, a fully managed Kafka-based offering, or Apache Flink on major cloud providers, simplifying deployment and operations.

This synergy between open source, cloud, and AI ensures businesses can scale while maintaining agility and reducing operational complexity. From hybrid cloud setups to edge computing, data streaming platforms powered by Kafka and Flink are ready to meet diverse requirements.

The second chapter of the free ebook delves into diverse technical use cases for data streaming, showcasing its critical role in enabling modern data products, IT modernization, observability, and hybrid/multi-cloud strategies. It highlights how event-driven microservices, IoT, AI, and data governance leverage streaming to ensure scalability, accuracy, and compliance while also driving innovation in areas like ESG reporting and continuous data sharing.

Chapter 3: Use Cases: Driving Business Value Across Industries

Data streaming addresses a broad range of business challenges and use cases. Here are some examples of how organizations are leveraging Kafka and Flink to deliver business value:

Let’s look at a few case studies explored in the free ebook on how data streaming is transforming businesses:

• BMW Group (Automotive & Manufacturing): By implementing Kafka and Flink, BMW Group has reduced downtime, enhanced manufacturing efficiency, and introduced real-time telemetry features in its vehicles.
• Migros (Retail): One of the leading Swiss retailers uses Kafka to personalize customer journeys and optimize stock levels, ensuring timely delivery of products.
• Erste Group (Financial Services): With data streaming, this European bank has built robust fraud detection systems, improving customer trust and reducing financial risks.
• Schiphol Airport (Travel & Logistics): Using Kafka, the Dutch airport integrates data from various systems to optimize passenger flow and improve overall travel experiences.

These stories underline the versatility and transformative potential of data streaming across industries. Chapter 3 of the book presents a comprehensive collection of industry success stories demonstrating the transformative impact of data streaming across sectors such as financial services, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, gaming, government, energy, transportation, insurance, healthcare, and technology.

Each scenario highlights real-world implementations, showcasing how Apache Kafka and related technologies enable real-time operations, enhanced efficiency, innovation, and compliance in diverse use cases like fraud detection, predictive maintenance, smart grids, loyalty programs, and medical diagnostics.

You will also be able to navigate yourself through the different horizontal use cases across industries and the concrete real-life examples by an interactive matrix that you will find at the beginning of the book.

Chapter 4:  Data Streaming Organization and (Internal) Community Building

The shift to real-time data isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic imperative. By enabling real-time insights, Kafka and Flink empower organizations to:

• Enhance Customer Experiences: Personalized recommendations and real-time support increase customer satisfaction.
• Improve Operational Efficiency: Proactive maintenance and seamless integrations reduce downtime and costs.
• Drive Innovation: Real-time data powers AI and machine learning use cases, fostering innovation.

Chapter 4 explores the process of building and positioning a data streaming organization, emphasizing the importance of fostering a strong internal community. It outlines key drivers, tactics, and strategies for developing and sustaining engagement within a data streaming community to ensure long-term success and innovation.

Start Your Data Streaming Journey with my Free Ebook about Use Cases and Industry Success Stories

Data streaming, powered by technologies like Apache Kafka and Apache Flink, redefines how businesses operate and innovate. Having spent over seven years at Confluent, I’ve had the privilege to see firsthand how real-time data transforms organizations—from driving efficiency to uncovering entirely new opportunities.

Whether you’re an IT leader navigating modernization or a business executive aiming to improve ROI, understanding these tools is essential. That’s why Evi Schneider and I created The Ultimate Data Streaming Guide: Concepts, Use Cases, Industry Stories. This free ebook is packed with real-world examples and actionable insights to help you harness the full potential of data streaming.

Let this guide be your roadmap to revolutionizing your organization’s data strategy with real-time insights. Apache Kafka and Apache Flink are more than technologies—they’re catalysts for innovation and long-term success.

👉 [Download the ebook here] to get started today!

Evi and I are already working on the second edition, which will feature even more customer stories and insights. If you’re interested in contributing or learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d love to hear from you!

And let’s connect on LinkedIn and discuss it! Stay informed about new blog posts by subscribing to my newsletter.