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From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley and was advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered solved. This led to the creation of Apache Spark and Databricks. However, during the development of Databricks, it was found that OLTP databases were not solved problems; they were difficult to scale and fragile. This realization led to the development of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed with modern technology. Lakebase architecture separates the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent, scalable services. The WAL is externalized to a service called SafeKeeper, which uses Paxos-based replication for durability, while data files are managed by PageServer, which stores them in cloud object storage. This design addresses challenges such as data loss, scaling, and performance interference between transactional and analytical workloads. Lakebase maintains compatibility with Postgres, offers unlimited storage, serverless compute, durable writes, and simpler high availability. It also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which allows both transactional and analytical processing to operate on a single data copy in real time, eliminating the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. LTAP utilizes a unified storage layer that allows data to be materialized in both row and columnar formats, optimizing it for both transactional and analytical workloads. The system ensures that analytics can access the most current data without affecting transactional performance by using a log sequence number (LSN) to retrieve the latest changes. Unlike traditional CDC approaches, LTAP requires no explicit table replication, as all data is stored in a single governed copy. This architecture circumvents common issues faced by hybrid transactional/analytical processing (HTAP) systems, such as incomplete feature sets, lack of ecosystem support, and performance contention. The Lakebase architecture has unlocked capabilities like unlimited storage, elastic compute, durable writes, and instant branching, with ongoing developments anticipated in the future.
silver Android smartphone
Tech Optimizer
July 2, 2026

From monolith to Lakebase to LTAP: rethinking the database from storage up

Sixteen years ago, the author began their PhD at UC Berkeley, where they were advised to focus on analytics rather than OLTP databases, which were considered a solved problem. However, upon developing Databricks, they found that OLTP databases were cumbersome, challenging to scale, and fragile. This led to the creation of Lakebase, a serverless Postgres database designed to address these issues by externalizing the write-ahead log (WAL) and data files into independent services. Lakebase architecture separates the WAL into a distributed service called SafeKeeper and data files into another service called PageServer, allowing for improved durability, scalability, and performance. This architecture eliminates data loss risks associated with disk failures and misconfigurations, simplifies high availability, and allows for elastic compute resources. Lakebase also introduces LTAP (Lake Transactional/Analytical Processing), which enables transactions and analytics to operate on a single data copy in real-time, avoiding the need for separate data copies and reducing costs. The system retains Postgres's ACID semantics while storing data in open columnar formats, making it accessible to both transactional and analytical engines without the delays and complexities of traditional replication methods. The architecture allows for unlimited storage, serverless compute, and instant branching, while ensuring that analytics can read the most current transactional data without affecting transactional workloads. LTAP aims to unify transactional and analytical processing by leveraging distinct compute engines for each workload while integrating at the storage layer.
Microsoft quietly sped up File Explorer in June's optional update
Winsage
June 30, 2026

Microsoft quietly sped up File Explorer in June’s optional update

A recent Microsoft update, KB5095093, enhances the user experience on Windows 11, particularly by significantly accelerating File Explorer. The update reorganizes the "Home" tab in File Explorer for improved performance, resulting in faster access and functionality. It also improves the reliability of the address bar with quicker suggestions and enhances responsiveness when mounting disk images and adjusting folder view case sensitivity. This update is part of June's optional Windows update and will become mandatory in July. Users can install it via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
June 11, 2026

Computex 2026: Empowering a billion users with Windows across the ecosystem

Computex has been a significant event for the PC industry, showcasing innovations in hardware, silicon, and user experiences. This year, partners revealed a variety of Windows 11 PCs aimed at diverse user needs. Acer introduced several laptops, including the Aspire X 16 AI for prosumers, the Aspire 18 AI for creative tasks, and the Swift Spin 14 AI, which features both Intel Core Ultra Series 3 and Snapdragon X2 Series processors. ASUS launched its AI PC portfolio with the ProArt P16 and P14 laptops powered by NVIDIA RTX Spark, and the Zenbook 14 for everyday consumers. The ROG Strix SCAR 18 gaming laptop features an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPU. Dell unveiled the XPS 13, which is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop, offering up to 17 hours of battery life and a 2.5K touchscreen. The XPS 16 Creator Edition is designed for creative tasks with NVIDIA RTX Spark technology. HP plans to integrate RTX Spark into its OmniBook Ultra 16 and OmniBook X 14 laptops and will expand its offerings with a compact desktop for creators and AI enthusiasts. MSI introduced the Prestige N16 Flip AI+, a laptop developed with NVIDIA, featuring a 16-inch UHD+ display and a 2-in-1 design. They also announced the Claw 8 EX AI+, a handheld gaming device powered by Intel Arc G3 Extreme processors. The Surface Laptop Ultra is the most powerful Surface Laptop to date, featuring an NVIDIA RTX Spark superchip and a 15-inch mini-LED touchscreen. Intel introduced the Intel Arc G-Series processors for handheld gaming systems, while NVIDIA unveiled the RTX Spark superchip for personal AI agents on Windows devices. Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon C Platform, aimed at providing efficient performance for students and small businesses, with Acer and ASUS already adopting this technology.
Microsoft patches record 198 Windows bugs in June update - and 3 are zero days
Winsage
June 10, 2026

Microsoft patches record 198 Windows bugs in June update – and 3 are zero days

Microsoft's latest Patch Tuesday addressed 198 security vulnerabilities, the most extensive update in recent memory. Among these, 32 flaws are classified as critical, and three are zero-day vulnerabilities. The updates are detailed in KB articles: KB5094126 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2, KB5093998 for version 23H2, and KB5094127 for Windows 10. The updates will automatically download and install, but users must verify their installation status and reboot their computers for changes to take effect. The vulnerabilities addressed this month are attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence, with companies like Microsoft leveraging AI models to expedite the identification and resolution of security flaws. The three zero-day vulnerabilities include one that allows an attacker to gain Windows System privileges through a flaw in file link resolution, another that could facilitate a denial-of-service attack via an HTTP vulnerability, and a third related to a flaw in Windows BitLocker that could enable data capture from an unpatched PC. Additionally, the update introduces new features to Windows 11, including new Secure Boot certificates, a Low Latency Profile for enhanced performance, support for shared audio devices for multiple Bluetooth connections, webcam functionality across multiple applications, and the ability to assign a custom name to the user folder during setup.
Minecraft is getting a Switch 2 native version with the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade
AppWizard
June 10, 2026

Minecraft is getting a Switch 2 native version with the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade

Microsoft announced a native edition of Minecraft for the Nintendo Switch 2 during a recent Nintendo Direct livestream. This new edition will utilize the console's advanced capabilities and include the Vibrant Visuals graphics upgrade, featuring enhancements like volumetric lighting, directional lighting, volumetric fog, dynamic shadows, reflections in water, and shimmering effects on metallic blocks. Players will be able to transfer their save data from the original Switch version to the new edition, which will be a paid upgrade. The Nintendo Switch 2 version will also include the exclusive Super Mario Mash-Up Pack. The release is scheduled for 2026.
Pentasystem partners with EDB to target sovereign AI with EDB PostgreSQL database
Tech Optimizer
June 8, 2026

Pentasystem partners with EDB to target sovereign AI with EDB PostgreSQL database

Pentasystem Technology has partnered with EDB to enhance enterprise-grade data management using the EDB PostgreSQL database. This partnership, announced on June 8, aims to provide cost-effective and stable database solutions amidst rising costs from existing database management systems. Pentasystem plans to explore projects related to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data warehousing, focusing on creating a comprehensive integrated data platform. Jong-jun Jang, CEO of Pentasystem, noted the synergy between EDB's technology and Pentasystem's implementation expertise, aiming to deliver improved performance and cost savings to clients in various sectors.
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