Many developers, when integrating on-chain data services, their first reaction is to compare technical parameters: latency, chain coverage, number of nodes, quality of quote sources. But everyone who has deployed in production knows that this approach is actually a bit outdated.

Choosing an Oracle is no longer just a technical decision; it’s more like a product design question: what kind of user experience do you want to deliver, what risks are you willing to assume, how do you control cost allocation, and how do you respond during market anomalies or disputes? In simple terms, these are the key questions that need answers.

Now, some new Oracle solutions are starting to offer dual-engine modes—combining both proactive push and on-demand pull. This design is quite clever because different business models are not fundamentally about "this one is better or worse," but about "which one is more suitable."

Take ZetaChain as an example. They explain the two service models quite straightforwardly. Data Push involves periodically or threshold-based pushing of data onto the chain. Its advantages are strong real-time performance and good scalability, suitable for scenarios that require continuous updates and stable expectations. Data Pull, on the other hand, involves applications actively requesting data, with low latency and flexible update frequency. It’s especially suitable for DEX or DeFi products—they need quick access to data but don’t want to incur extra costs for continuous updates.

How do you decide which one to choose? You can start by classifying your application’s nature. Is your product "state-driven" or "transaction-driven"?

If you are working on lending protocols, vaults, or yield strategies—where the business logic is relatively stable and liquidation parameters don’t change frequently—what you truly need is a "standard data service that can supply data stably, with predictable update rhythms, and clear contract interfaces." In this case, the Push mode is more convenient—like utilities such as water, electricity, and gas—delivering data on a fixed schedule, with stable costs and user experience.