MLA 021 Databricks: Cloud Analytics and MLOps

Machine Learning Guide

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Databricks is a cloud-based platform for data analytics and machine learning operations, integrating features such as a hosted Spark cluster, Python notebook execution, Delta Lake for data management, and seamless IDE connectivity. Raybeam utilizes Databricks and other ML Ops tools according to client infrastructure, scaling needs, and project goals, favoring Databricks for its balanced feature set, ease of use, and support for both startups and enterprises.

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Notes and resources at ocdevel.com/mlg/mla-21
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Raybeam and Databricks

Raybeam is a data science and analytics company, recently acquired by Dept Agency.
While Raybeam focuses on data analytics, its acquisition has expanded its expertise into ML Ops and AI.
The company recommends tools based on client requirements, frequently utilizing Databricks for its comprehensive nature.

Understanding Databricks

Databricks is not merely an analytics platform; it is a competitor in the ML Ops space alongside tools like SageMaker and Kubeflow.
It provides interactive notebooks, Python code execution, and runs on a hosted Apache Spark cluster.
Databricks includes Delta Lake, which acts as a storage and data management layer.

Choosing the Right MLOps Tool

Raybeam evaluates each client’s needs, existing expertise, and infrastructure before recommending a platform.
Databricks, SageMaker, Kubeflow, and Snowflake are common alternatives, with the final selection dependent on current pipelines and operational challenges.
Maintaining existing workflows is prioritized unless scalability or feature limitations necessitate migration.

Databricks Features

Databricks is accessible via a web interface similar to Jupyter Hub and can be integrated with local IDEs (e.g., VS Code, PyCharm) using Databricks Connect.
Notebooks on Databricks can be version-controlled with Git repositories, enhancing collaboration and preventing data loss.
The platform supports configuration of computing resources to match model size and complexity.
Databricks clusters are hosted on AWS, Azure, or GCP, with users selecting the underlying cloud provider at sign-up.

Parquet and Delta Lake

Parquet files store data in a columnar format, which improves efficiency for aggregation and analytics tasks.
Delta Lake provides transactional operations on top of Parquet files by maintaining a version history, enabling row edits and deletions.
This approach offers a database-like experience for handling large datasets, simplifying both analytics and machine learning workflows.

Pricing and Usage

Pricing for Databricks depends on the chosen cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or GCP) with an additional fee for Databricks’ services.
The added cost is described as relatively small, and the platform is accessible to both individual developers and large enterprises.
Databricks is recommended for newcomers to data science and ML for its breadth of features and straightforward setup.

Databricks, MLflow, and Other Integrations

Databricks provides a hosted MLflow solution, offering experiment tracking and model management.
The platform can access data stored in services like S3, Snowflake, and other cloud provider storage options.
Integration with tools such as PyArrow is supported, facilitating efficient data access and manipulation.

Example Use Cases and Decision Process

Migration to Databricks is recommended when a client’s existing infrastructure (e.g., on-premises Spark clusters) cannot scale effectively.
The selection process involves an in-depth exploration of a client’s operational challenges and goals.
Databricks is chosen for clients lacking feature-specific needs but requiring a unified data analytics and ML platform.

Personal Projects by Ming Chang

Ming Chang has explored automated stock trading using APIs such as Alpaca, focusing on downloading and analyzing market data.
He has also developed drone-related projects with Raspberry Pi, emphasizing real-world applications of programming and physical computing.

Additional Resources

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