hybrid Archives

Winsage

July 7, 2026

Microsoft to enable Windows settings backup by default for orgs

Microsoft will enable the Windows settings backup and restore tool by default for enterprise systems joined to Microsoft Entra or operating in a hybrid environment with the upgrade to Windows 11 version 26H2. This tool, previously known as Windows Backup for Organizations, assists users in backing up and restoring Windows settings after events like device resets or upgrades. The tool debuted at the Microsoft Ignite conference in November 2024, became publicly available in August 2025, and requires the September 2025 Windows Monthly Cumulative Update for access. The default-on setting applies only to eligible devices where administrators have not set the policy otherwise, and IT administrators can manage this through mobile device management solutions. Restore functionality will not be enabled by default and requires administrative configuration. The default-on behavior will also be available in the Windows Insider Program Experimental channel starting July 2026.

Winsage

July 2, 2026

Microsoft’s new Azure Linux 4.0 is here, and it could replace Windows Server in the enterprise

Microsoft has released Azure Linux 4.0, transitioning it from an internal tool to a server operating system that users can install on their own servers and virtual machines. Azure Linux 4.0 is built on Fedora Linux, allowing the use of RPMs and ensuring compatibility with Azure's cloud platform. The beta version features a hardened Linux kernel 6.18, optimized for performance on Hyper-V and Azure virtual machines, and incorporates SELinux-based security measures without a graphical user interface. In the Azure Marketplace, it is marketed as a "Microsoft-built Linux distribution for Azure," with formal support available for deployments on Azure but not for standalone hardware. The Azure Linux GitHub repository provides transparency into the distribution, encouraging community engagement while Microsoft retains control over the base image's contents. Azure Linux is positioned as a free, Azure-optimized server operating system for hybrid environments, potentially signaling a shift away from Windows Server.

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.

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.

Tech Optimizer

July 2, 2026

EDB Named a Leader in Multimodel Data Platforms Evaluation

EDB has been recognized as a Leader in The Forrester Wave: Multimodel Data Platforms, Q2 2026, with EDB Postgres AI (EDB PG AI) achieving the highest scores in Vision, Innovation, Roadmap, and Partner Ecosystem criteria. EDB PG AI integrates transactional, analytical, and AI workloads into a unified platform, supporting open-source frameworks and enabling various deployment options. The platform features governance at the data layer and is designed for operational efficiency, allowing organizations to implement sovereign AI quickly. EDB PG AI can be deployed on-premises, in hybrid environments, or across cloud infrastructures, backed by partnerships with companies like Dell, IBM, and NVIDIA.

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

June 30, 2026

New VR Games July 2026: Quest, PlayStation VR2, PC VR & More

As of July, several new VR games and downloadable content are set to be released across platforms like Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation VR2. Key upcoming releases include: - Enigmo - July 7 (PC VR) - Geronimo - July 10 (PC VR) - Fixer Undercover - July 16 (PC VR) - Roboquest VR - July 23 (Quest 3) - Puzzles of the World - July 23 (Quest 3) - Cybercore Protocol - July 26 (Quest) - Hyperstacks - July 30 (Steam) - Streets of Miami VR - July 30 (Steam) Additionally, the UploadVR Summer Showcase Humble Bundle is active until July 8, with discounts on various titles. The Steam Summer Sale and Meta Quest Summer Sale are also ongoing, with PlayStation VR2 expected to participate later in July.

AppWizard

June 28, 2026

Spyro speedrunner says a PC port of the original game is in the works, and it’s being made with ‘no AI’

Spyro the Dragon has been remastered in the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, available on Steam. Developer Toys for Bob is working on a new game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, set to release in 2027. A fan group is developing a PC port of the original Spyro the Dragon, with 88% of the game's functions and 58% of its bytecode decompiled. The port features 60FPS gameplay, true widescreen support, perspective correct textures, and no polygon wobble. It is being developed without AI, runs at 320FPS, and is still in early stages with some visual artifacts. The release of the port may come sooner than expected.

AppWizard

June 27, 2026

Discussion time: Most big MMOs are seasonal now—do you prefer it that way, or do you loathe the FOMO checklist?

Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs) are increasingly adopting a seasonal structure, with titles like Final Fantasy XIV, World of Warcraft, and The Elder Scrolls Online implementing named seasons. This shift aims to address player fatigue from extensive power grinds, offering a reset mechanism that allows for a more level playing field. In contrast, games like Old School RuneScape, EVE Online, and Project Gorgon focus on permanent progress without seasonal resets. Guild Wars 2 utilizes a hybrid model, combining major patches with a horizontal progression system.

Winsage

June 26, 2026

Microsoft Stock Clings to 52-Week Low as Cloud Security Boost and Windows 10 Extension Fall Short

Companies are adapting to new challenges and opportunities in a dynamic market characterized by innovation and resilience. Investors are monitoring shifts in consumer behavior due to the acceleration of digital transformation, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and remote work. Businesses are focusing on enhancing customer experiences and optimizing supply chains. Technological advancements include the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics for decision-making and operational efficiency. There is an increasing emphasis on sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing carbon footprints and promoting eco-friendly products. The shift to hybrid work models is changing talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies, fostering flexibility and inclusivity. The ability to pivot and innovate is essential for businesses to thrive in this evolving environment.