Apache Kafka is an open source, distributed, scalable, high-performance, publish-subscribe message broker. It is a great choice for building systems capable of processing high volumes of data.

Thousands of organizations use Apache Kafka, including internet giants, car manufacturers, and stock exchanges, and has more than 5 million unique lifetime downloads.

Data startup Confluent has Silicon Valley buzzing about its Apache Kafka software. Here's 3 reasons why its cofounders were able to successfully incubate their idea while at LinkedIn.