data management Archives

AppWizard

July 12, 2026

Your free VPN on Android often offers less protection than you might think

The MVPNalyzer Study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan analyzed various VPN services, focusing on their performance metrics, data privacy practices, and effectiveness in bypassing geographical restrictions. The study revealed that some VPNs excel in speed while others prioritize security features, and not all services provide the same level of data protection, with certain logging practices raising concerns. The findings encourage users to closely examine VPN services regarding speed, privacy policies, and data management, while urging VPN providers to improve transparency and invest in user security technologies.

Tech Optimizer

July 12, 2026

What Is Serverless PostgreSQL?

Serverless PostgreSQL is a fully managed cloud database model that separates compute and storage, allowing them to scale independently and automatically based on demand. It eliminates the need for manual infrastructure provisioning and capacity planning, charging only for active usage. Unlike traditional PostgreSQL setups, which require continuous resource allocation and manual scaling, serverless PostgreSQL provisions resources on demand and can scale down to zero during idle periods. Serverless PostgreSQL integrates with serverless compute platforms, enabling analytical queries to access the same data within a unified architecture. Key differences between traditional and serverless PostgreSQL include manual versus automatic provisioning and scaling, fixed versus usage-based billing, and high versus reduced operational overhead. Lakebase architecture is an emerging model that combines transactional databases with lakehouse foundations, allowing operational and analytical workloads to coexist on a single platform. This architecture minimizes data duplication and simplifies access, enhancing data management and analysis. Serverless PostgreSQL operates on a cloud-native architecture that enhances efficiency by allowing compute and storage to scale autonomously. It features scale-to-zero behavior, where compute resources are suspended when inactive and reactivated upon new queries. Major providers include Databricks Lakebase, Amazon Aurora Serverless v2, and Neon, each offering varying capabilities and integrations. Pricing for serverless PostgreSQL typically includes charges for compute resources, storage, and data transfer, with costs fluctuating based on workload activity. Cold start latency is a performance consideration, as reactivating compute resources can introduce delays. Strategies to mitigate this include keeping resources partially active or selecting providers with minimal cold start impacts. Serverless PostgreSQL is well-suited for OLTP workloads, while lakebase architecture is better for AI development, variable workloads, and environments requiring rapid iteration. Setting up serverless PostgreSQL involves choosing a provider, creating a database instance, and configuring access settings. It can also be used alongside serverless compute platforms for analytics, further extending its capabilities.

Winsage

July 8, 2026

Microsoft flips Windows Backup to on by default unless you’re in the EU

Microsoft has enabled Windows Backup for Organizations by default in the 26H2 version of Windows 11, except in the European Union. This feature allows organizations to restore device settings and installed Microsoft Store applications easily during events like lost laptops or system resets. Devices running Windows 11 25H2 and earlier, as well as those with a backup policy that disables this setting, will not be included in the automatic backup initiative. Organizations can opt out of this feature if they have stringent privacy policies or data sovereignty concerns. Administrators must explicitly disable the policy if they do not wish to use the feature. Microsoft clarifies that this service is not a comprehensive backup solution but part of a broader Windows resiliency effort. Eligible devices with the backup policy in a Not Configured state will enable backup automatically when Windows 11, version 26H2 becomes generally available.

Tech Optimizer

July 6, 2026

Why most AI projects fail: It’s infrastructure and people

AI technology faces significant criticism for its low success rates in delivering business results, with studies indicating a 95% failure rate for enterprise AI solutions and only 9% of organizations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa achieving measurable outcomes from AI initiatives. Four main shortcomings hinder the transition of AI prototypes to production: 1. Deployment Flexibility: Prototyping environments often lack the necessary flexibility for large-scale production deployment, particularly in regulated sectors. 2. Data Sovereignty: Production transitions can complicate data sovereignty at enterprise and regional levels. 3. Reliability: High availability is crucial for production environments, but vendor-managed platforms may not guarantee seamless upgrades or hardware swaps without downtime. 4. Disconnect in Tool Selection: Developers often choose tools for prototyping without considering production implications, leading to difficulties in scaling. The shortage of database administrators (DBAs) is exacerbated by the increasing use of AI tools, with 84% of developers utilizing them according to a 2025 survey. To address these challenges, Merrick suggests leveraging AI DBA agents to support human DBAs and improve database management efficiency. He emphasizes the need for both robust data infrastructure and enhanced operational support to improve the success rates of AI prototypes.

AppWizard

July 2, 2026

All Android users just got an important backup feature

Google is introducing a selective backup feature for Android users, allowing granular control over app data management. This update is initially rolling out to Pixel devices and users of Google Play Services version 26.24. Users can now selectively manage backups for each app, which helps conserve cloud storage space. The feature is available for those using Android 16 and Android 17, with other manufacturers expected to adopt it soon. Once activated, data is securely backed up to the cloud, but users should be aware that disabling backup for an app will permanently delete its previously backed-up data. To manage backups, users can go to their device’s settings under Google Services > Backup > Backup details. The rollout is gradual, primarily targeting Google Pixel smartphones. Most users will receive the update automatically, and they can check their version of Google Play Services in the settings.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

EDB named Forrester Leader in multimodel data platforms

EDB has been recognized as a Leader in Forrester's Multimodel Data Platforms evaluation for Q2 2026 for its EDB Postgres AI platform, receiving the highest scores in Vision, Innovation, Roadmap, and Partner Ecosystem. The platform is designed to manage mixed translytical and AI workload demands, offering flexibility in deployment across on-premises, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. EDB's recent product update introduced agentic database and converged analytics functionalities, reportedly accelerating database tuning by up to tenfold and reducing analytics ownership costs by as much as 58%. The platform is supported by a partner ecosystem that includes Dell, IBM, NVIDIA, Red Hat, and Supermicro, which plays a crucial role in influencing database purchasing decisions. EDB's roadmap focuses on advancements in GPU-accelerated workloads, semantic intelligence, governance, and knowledge graph functionalities. The emphasis on sovereign deployment aligns with organizations' needs for control over sensitive data amidst stricter regulations.

AppWizard

July 1, 2026

Google Is Finally Giving Android Users The Backup Settings They Should Have Always Had

Google is rolling out a per-app backup feature for Pixel devices, allowing users to control which specific apps are backed up to the cloud. This feature can be accessed through Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Backup > Other device data, where users can see the top three apps consuming space and toggle backups on or off for each app. Users can also view the backup size for each app and manage apps that currently have no data backed up. This update aims to give users clearer visibility and control over their Google cloud storage.

AppWizard

June 29, 2026

Google is finally giving Android users control over app backups

Google is rolling out per-app backup controls to select beta users, allowing individuals to toggle backups for each installed app instead of using a singular master switch. This feature aims to enhance user control over data management by enabling users to decide which apps' data should be included in their backups, addressing concerns about managing cloud storage and optimizing backup space.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2026

Latest EnterpriseDB features unify data for AI development

EnterpriseDB is addressing challenges in AI development projects, particularly data sprawl, by introducing features in the EDB Postgres AI platform. The platform now includes Converged Analytics, which bridges operational and analytical data without complex ELT pipelines, and the Agentic Database, which transforms the system into an autonomous database that proactively manages over 200 metrics. These innovations aim to consolidate various data types into a single governed platform, reducing complexity and costs associated with database administration. The update also introduces governance capabilities at the data layer, expected to be available in the latter half of 2026, and a bring-your-own-cloud option for applying AI to data. Customer feedback has influenced these developments, highlighting the need for reduced manual intervention in data management.

Tech Optimizer

June 24, 2026

EDB converges analytics on Postgres to support AI agents

EDB's per-core pricing model offers predictable costs compared to consumption-based cloud data platforms, aiding organizations in budgeting. However, predictable billing does not guarantee lower costs, as high-speed operational data processing requires more expensive hardware than lakehouse storage solutions. EDB's architecture, built on a unified Postgres-Iceberg foundation, streamlines data governance by reducing the need for multiple specialized data stores, leading to fewer platforms to manage and enhancing operational efficiency and data governance protocols.