Apache Kafka 4.0: The Business Case for Scaling Data Streaming Enterprise-Wide
Kai Waehner
Apache Kafka 4.0 represents a major milestone in the evolution of real-time data infrastructure. Used by over 150,000 organizations worldwide, Kafka has become the de facto standard for data streaming across industries. This article focuses on the business value of Kafka 4.0, highlighting how it enables operational efficiency, faster time-to-market, and architectural flexibility across cloud, on-premise, and edge environments. Rather than detailing technical improvements, it explores Kafka’s strategic role in modern data platforms, the growing data streaming ecosystem, and how enterprises can turn event-driven architecture into competitive advantage. Kafka is no longer just infrastructure—it’s a foundation for digital business
