When it comes to web mining, we know web data extraction is a very important part. However for web data extraction, tools and cloud technology are two important roles. If you don’t have a right tool or the tool doesn’t support cloud extraction, you will not extract as much data as you want at better extraction speed. There are mainly two types of software tools for web data extraction. One is client software, and the other is browser add-on tool. The former is much popular. And the client software that support cloud extraction is by far best option for web data extraction. Next, I’ll introduce two web mining tools, Octoparse and Import.io, especially talk about the differences between their price.

1. Import.io

2. Octoparse

From the above, we can see both pricing is different. Compared with Import.io, Octoparse will be more cost-effective for web data extraction. Octoparse provides users with four or ten cloud extraction nodes. How much data Octoparse can extract mainly depends on your network performance - how long it will take to open a web page. However, Import.io charges users on every second basis. Actually, it’s a bit expensive.

Both Octoparse and Import.io can extract web data easily and quickly. And both of them can automatically extract data across pages, and extract detailed web page data when there is a list of links to click into. But they are different in essence. Octoparse is a client software tool. It has better user experience and interaction design, and it won’t be restricted by browsers. So Octoparse can extract data more intelligently.

Good news is that both have free edition in lifetime. However, it's worth mentioning that if the local extraction function of Octoparse can meet your needs, you can use Octoparse to extract web page data without paying any money. It is quite attractive, right?

Both Octoparse and Import.io apply XPath technology to resolve position problem when extracting web data. However, Import.io can run tasks across platforms, but Octoparse just runs in Windows. That may be an important reason why Import.io can attract more people. So if you are a Linux or Mac user, you’re advised to use Import.io. But if you’re a Windows user, you’re suggested to choose Octoparse especially when you have a tight budget.

This article is reprinted from http://www.octoparse.com/blog/two-web-mining-tools-that-support-clo...