data storage Archives

Tech Optimizer

December 16, 2024

7 GitHub Open Source You Need to See

Open-source tools are enhancing productivity and streamlining processes for developers and organizations. Notable projects include: - **Olshansk/postgres_for_everything**: Extends PostgreSQL's capabilities with resources for JSON/JSONB types, TimescaleDB for time-series data, full-text search, pgRouting for graph data, and advanced SQL analytics. - **Biggest Shell Programs in the World**: Analyzes large shell scripts and systems, including the Linux Kernel Build System, Android Build System, and Debian Packaging Tools. - **Pulumi**: An infrastructure-as-code platform that allows management of cloud infrastructure using languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go, with features like multi-cloud support and Kubernetes integration. - **yorukot/superfile**: A Python library for file operations, offering high-level methods for file handling and cross-platform compatibility. - **soci-snapshotter**: An AWS Labs project for optimizing container image management through lazy loading and snapshotting technology. - **Spark UI**: Enhances management and monitoring of Apache Spark applications with live metrics, interactive visualizations, and integration with event logs. - **LFI.dev**: A framework for developing real-time collaborative web applications with offline functionality and synchronization. - **WrenAI**: A tool for creating intelligent chatbots and virtual assistants with prebuilt NLU and NLG capabilities. - **Astro 5.0**: A framework for building content-focused websites with server-side rendering, static site generation, and improved Markdown handling. - **Outerbase Studio**: An open-source database management tool with a browser-accessible UI and compatibility with various relational databases. - **Undici**: A high-performance HTTP client for Node.js, featuring advanced connection pooling, a promise-based interface, and support for streaming requests.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

Top Database Technologies to Consider in 2025

The landscape of database technologies is transforming due to the rise of Generative AI (GenAI), with modern enterprises requiring unlimited storage, intelligent data consolidation, and real-time querying. The effectiveness of AI systems depends on high-quality data storage that overcomes organizational silos. Key factors in selecting database solutions now include developer experience, serverless architecture, and adaptability to trends like Postgres. Neon has received a million-dollar investment from M12 and aims to simplify launching Postgres databases through its serverless platform, with over four thousand databases created daily. Neon Authorize enhances security with granular access controls using Postgres Row-Level Security. ClickHouse is recognized as a leading live data repository for large enterprises, with clients like Deutsche Bank, eBay, and Spotify. It recently acquired PeerDB to improve change data capture and replication for Postgres, promising speed enhancements of up to 10x. Timescale has extended PostgreSQL for time-series data and analytics, allowing efficient application development while managing costs. It claims to deliver queries that are 1,000 times faster than MongoDB, with virtually limitless scaling through the separation of storage and compute resources. MongoDB has enhanced its integrations with Microsoft Azure to support real-time data analytics and generative AI applications, integrating MongoDB Atlas with Azure OpenAI services and launching MongoDB Enterprise Advanced on the Azure Marketplace for increased flexibility in data development.

Tech Optimizer

December 10, 2024

How Firmex used AWS SCT and AWS DMS to move 65,000 on-premises Microsoft SQL Server databases to an Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL cluster

Firmex is a provider of Virtual Data Rooms, opening over 20,000 new rooms annually and focusing on security and availability for clients during due diligence processes. The company previously managed around 65,000 databases across four Microsoft SQL Servers but faced challenges related to database limits, backups, and licensing terms. In 2020, engineers recognized they were nearing the maximum database limit and shifted from a database-based isolation model to a schema-based isolation approach using PostgreSQL. This transition involved collaboration with AWS to utilize Aurora PostgreSQL-Compatible Edition, which offered better performance and cost-effectiveness. The migration process required extensive work, including converting stored procedures and addressing data migration challenges such as endpoint and task limits with AWS DMS. Firmex's engineers developed custom tooling to manage the migration effectively, ensuring minimal downtime for customers. Post-migration, they have seen improved performance and reduced operating costs, with ongoing efforts to optimize their PostgreSQL utilization further.

Winsage

November 23, 2024

Microsoft is finally ready to let you try Windows Recall — first preview build for Copilot+ PCs available now

Microsoft is set to unveil the Windows Recall feature with the release of a new Windows 11 preview build (26120.2415) for Insiders in the Dev Channel. This build also introduces Click To Do, an AI overlay feature. The Recall feature has been enhanced for security, with encrypted local data storage and activation requiring Windows Hello. It will be disabled by default and must be manually enabled by users. Data collected by Recall is only accessible to the user, and Microsoft does not upload it to the cloud or sell it to third parties. Recall is available only on Copilot+ PCs, and currently, only devices with the Snapdragon X processor can access the preview; Intel and AMD processor users cannot participate at this time. A hands-on video walkthrough of the new features will be available on the Windows Central YouTube channel.

Winsage

November 15, 2024

4 reasons using Windows as your NAS OS can make sense

- A spare license for Windows can facilitate the transition to a NAS setup. - Windows can be used as a multifunctional device, handling tasks like media streaming, gaming, and data storage. - The familiarity of Windows provides comfort and ensures compatibility with existing software and applications. - Windows is well-suited for experimentation and testing due to its robust hardware support and flexibility.

Winsage

November 1, 2024

Windows 11’s controversial AI Recall feature delayed again

Microsoft has postponed the rollout of its Recall feature, originally set for October, to December for members of the Windows Insider program. Brandon LeBlanc, a senior product manager, stated that the delay is to ensure a secure and trusted experience. Recall is designed to capture snapshots of a user’s desktop activity using AI and store this information in a searchable database. Concerns about privacy and unencrypted data storage have led Microsoft to implement enhanced security measures and make Recall an opt-in feature that can be uninstalled.

Tech Optimizer

October 31, 2024

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database is now generally available

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL Limitless Database is now generally available, featuring a serverless solution with horizontal scaling capabilities. It uses a two-layer architecture consisting of routers and shards to manage SQL connections and data storage. The database organizes data into three table types: sharded tables, reference tables, and standard tables. Users can create a new DB cluster through the AWS Management Console or CLI, specifying the DB shard group name and capacity in Aurora Capacity Units (ACUs). The database supports PostgreSQL syntax for queries and allows data loading using the COPY command. Each DB cluster can host one DB shard group with a capacity of 16 to 6144 ACUs, and storage limits are set at 128 TiB per shard and 32 TiB for reference tables. Monitoring can be conducted using Amazon CloudWatch. The database is compatible with PostgreSQL 16.4 and is available across multiple AWS regions.

Winsage

October 31, 2024

Microsoft is struggling to get Windows Recall out the door — delays releasing first public preview

Microsoft has postponed the rollout of the Windows Recall feature, now expected to preview in December instead of October. The feature was initially set to debut alongside Copilot+ PCs in June. The delay is due to security concerns regarding data storage management. Microsoft has identified significant vulnerabilities and is reassessing its launch timeline, having already delayed the feature for four months. When released, Windows Recall will include a robust security framework, with encrypted data and Windows Hello authentication required for access. Users can filter specific applications and websites, with default settings excluding sensitive information. The feature is unlikely to be available beyond the Insider Program until 2025, and the timeline for access on AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs remains uncertain, with initial previews expected to launch on Snapdragon X devices in November.

Winsage

October 26, 2024

The fascinating story of the Windows Registry

The Registry is a centralized, hierarchical database introduced in Windows 3.1 to manage system-wide and per-user settings, evolving from a disorganized system of scattered configuration files. It allows for logical organization of settings, enhancing user experience and system functionality. The Registry's data storage is more efficient than traditional text files, improving performance, and it offers better security and integrity by centralizing access and modifications. Despite its intimidating reputation, the Registry is a crucial component of the Windows operating system.

AppWizard

October 26, 2024

WeChat among apps banned from Hong Kong govt computers

Hong Kong's government has updated its information security guidelines to enhance cybersecurity, restricting the use of messaging and cloud storage applications like WeChat, WhatsApp, and Google Drive on government-operated computers. The Digital Policy Office cited concerns over end-to-end encryption technology in these services that could bypass cybersecurity defenses, making it challenging to detect and respond to threats. The new regulations, inspired by measures in the U.S. and mainland China, will take effect at the end of October, with potential exceptions approved by department heads. Additionally, a new cybersecurity law is expected to be introduced by the end of the year to address critical infrastructure security.