In the evolving landscape of technology, IT companies are increasingly tasked with cultivating their public image in innovative ways. While many organizations engage in social initiatives such as environmental conservation or animal welfare, for an engineering firm like Postgres Professional, the most authentic contribution lies in the realm of code. As Linus Torvalds aptly stated, “Talk is cheap. Show me the code.” This philosophy drives our mission: to deliver exceptional code, share it openly, invest in talent, and lead through action. Our recent establishment of a new office in Novosibirsk Akademgorodok embodies this commitment, and the motivations behind this choice are intertwined with the future of technology.
Open source as a mindset, not a marketing slogan
In today’s tech environment, proclaiming “We contribute to open source” has become a baseline expectation for any reputable company. This phrase appears frequently in press releases, conference presentations, and podcast discussions, reflecting the maturation of the open-source movement. While this trend is positive, it also reveals a duality: many organizations still view open source as a checkbox to tick rather than a genuine commitment. At Postgres Pro, our vision has always been to not just use PostgreSQL, but to actively develop it. Our focus is on enhancing the core PostgreSQL system rather than merely creating wrappers or plugins.
The evidence of our dedication is visible in the commit history; for PostgreSQL 18 alone, over 40 of our engineers contributed patches. We frequently highlight many of these contributions in our Habr blog. While we maintain a commercial fork with unique features, our primary aim is to drive universal improvements upstream, rather than catering to niche requirements.
We seek not just database developers, but systems engineers who influence the very architecture of the global software ecosystem. They refine planner algorithms, optimize storage subsystems, and enhance replication methods—areas often overlooked by typical developers. While an application engineer may not need to delve into PostgreSQL’s intricate internals to create a simple project, someone must ensure those foundations are robust and well-maintained, and that is our responsibility.
Why Akademgorodok was the natural choice
The decision to establish our new office in Akademgorodok was not driven by cost considerations. The region exudes a vibrant scientific atmosphere, home to numerous research institutes, a prominent university (NSU), experimental laboratories, and a collaborative community of researchers. Here, students, engineers, scientists, and PhDs coexist, fostering a culture where fundamental research thrives.
For Postgres Pro, deeply rooted in low-level engineering, this environment is a natural fit. However, the essence of a unique location ultimately lies in its people. Our primary objective in Akademgorodok is to invest in the next generation of systems programmers, testers, architects, and researchers—especially those passionate about tackling complex technical challenges. We envision creating not just an office, but a true engineering center where seasoned PostgreSQL contributors can mentor students, explore innovative ideas, and engage in system-level projects without needing to justify the importance of understanding how WAL functions.
Developing, experimenting, upstreaming
Our initiatives in Akademgorodok will concentrate on:
- Advancing system-level PostgreSQL components,
- Researching performance and scalability models,
- Experimenting with new methodologies,
- Most importantly—endeavoring to upstream improvements.
Upstreaming is not an instantaneous process; each patch must undergo rigorous review, debate, and validation that it addresses a genuine, shared issue. Some contributions may take years to integrate, but this diligence is what ensures PostgreSQL’s reliability. Only after this meticulous process do millions of developers worldwide benefit from the product.
Investing in people, not just code
We recognize that the field of systems programming can only flourish if young engineers maintain their curiosity. It is a specialized area, and without a continuous influx of new talent, stagnation is inevitable. This understanding has driven us to develop educational programs—most of which are free and accessible to all:
- Postgres Pro Summer School: real system-level tasks guided by our engineers.
- A collaborative research lab with NSU: where students engage in thesis-level projects.
- Comprehensive documentation for current PostgreSQL versions.
- Open programming olympiads for school students.
- Renowned books like PostgreSQL Internals and The SQL Language Basics.
- Full online courses spanning from beginner SQL to advanced development topics.
- A complete university support program: materials, licenses, and an annual PGConf Academy event.
While these programs can be conducted online, having a physical presence in Akademgorodok adds a unique dimension. Students from NSU, SibSUTI, and NSTU can engage directly with contributors, fostering a collaborative environment that transcends the limitations of virtual interactions.
Theory, practice, and back to theory
Systems programming occupies a pivotal intersection between science and engineering. Contributing to a database engine necessitates a deep understanding of operating system internals, data consistency models, memory and CPU behavior, and the mathematics underpinning query planning. Unfortunately, no university curriculum can adequately cover all these topics in depth. What students truly require is hands-on experience and access to professionals who are actively engaged in writing this code.
This belief drives our conviction that companies dedicated to advancing fundamental technology should extend their reach beyond urban centers and establish themselves in places like Akademgorodok—where ideas permeate the environment. Here, students can witness the dynamics of architectural debates, the preparation of patches for upstream integration, the review process, and the evolution of large systems.
Why this matters for the entire industry
There is a consensus on the importance of cultivating local expertise and strong engineering talent. However, the unspoken truth is that without a robust foundation in systems programming, such aspirations remain mere rhetoric. Our goal is not to create alternatives for their own sake, but to develop world-class technology—globally relevant, built on open-source principles, and supported by tangible contributions.
PostgreSQL stands as the most widely used database globally, with engineers from our region playing a significant role in its development. Yet, for many aspiring developers, the PostgreSQL core can seem like an enigmatic relic. We aim to change this perception. Complexity does not equate to inaccessibility; it simply requires the right mentorship. Our new office serves as a nexus where knowledge intersects with curiosity, and Akademgorodok provides the perfect backdrop for nurturing this connection.
Less talk, more commits
In an industry where presentations often overshadow substance, we remain committed to the principle that your code speaks for you. Thus, our new office is not merely another location; it represents a significant stride toward the future of PostgreSQL and the talented individuals who will shape it.
