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EnSync vs. Cloud Message Queues (SQS / Google Pub/Sub)

CriteriaSQS / Google Pub/SubEnSync
Primary Use CaseInternal async messaging between microservicesB2B partner ecosystem integration
Target AudienceYour internal engineering teamExternal partners + your team
Partner OnboardingN/A (not designed for external partners)Self-service via developer portal
Access ControlIAM policies (cloud account level)Workspace isolation per partner
Message Retention14 days max (SQS), 7 days default (Pub/Sub)Up to 30 days (plan-based)
Replay CapabilityNo native replayBuilt-in replay (up to 30 days)
Message OrderingFIFO queues (limited throughput)Ordered delivery per event type
Schema ManagementNo schema enforcementStructured events with versioning
Partner VisibilityCloudWatch/Stackdriver (your account only)Per-partner observability dashboard
Bidirectional CommunicationRequires separate queuesNative bidirectional events
Multi-TenancyRequires separate AWS/GCP accountsTargeted delivery + workspace isolation
Event NamingQueue names (flat structure)Path-like hierarchy (payment/authorized)
Best ForInternal microservices communicationExternal partner integrations
Partner Self-ServiceN/AEmbedded developer portal
Compliance/AuditCloudTrail/Cloud Logging (your view only)Full audit trails per partner

Bottom Line

SQS/Pub/Sub broadcasts to all subscribers. EnSync delivers to specific partners. SQS/Pub/Sub connects your microservices. EnSync connects your business partners.

When to Choose SQS/Pub/Sub

  • You need internal microservices messaging within your own infrastructure
  • You’re building internal message-driven architecture for your own services
  • All consumers are within your AWS/GCP account

When to Choose EnSync

  • You’re integrating with external business partners
  • You need targeted event delivery (not broadcast to all)
  • You need high throughput for partner integration workloads
  • You need partner-specific isolation and visibility
  • You want partners to self-manage via developer portal
  • You need long-term message retention and replay
  • You need two-layer access control (permissions + subscriptions)
While EnSync can be used for internal messaging, our focus is on B2B partner integration where workspace isolation, partner observability, and self-service developer portals provide the most value.

Conclusion

“SQS connects your microservices. EnSync connects your business partners.”