Open-Source Archives

Tech Optimizer

May 16, 2025

Databricks to acquire Neon for AI-driven serverless Postgres

Databricks plans to acquire Neon, a company specializing in serverless Postgres technology, to enhance its AI-driven database offerings and developer workflows. The acquisition reflects Databricks' commitment to the evolving database market, which is increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence. Neon’s technology is designed for AI agents, with over 80% of databases on its platform provisioned automatically by AI. Key features of Neon's platform include rapid provisioning of Postgres instances, cost efficiency through separated compute and storage, and full compatibility with the open-source Postgres ecosystem. The integration aims to address limitations of traditional databases, streamline infrastructure, and support the development of AI agent systems. Upon completion of the acquisition, Neon's team will join Databricks, and both companies aim to simplify data architecture and enhance AI agent capabilities. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals. Neon was founded in 2021 and focuses on serverless Postgres solutions, while Databricks serves over 10,000 organizations globally with its Data Intelligence Platform.

Tech Optimizer

May 16, 2025

The $1 Billion database bet: What Databricks’ Neon acquisition means for your AI strategy

Databricks acquired the privately held serverless PostgreSQL startup Neon for approximately billion. Neon, founded in 2022, had previously raised million in a Series B funding round. Over 80% of the databases generated on Neon's platform were initiated by AI agents. PostgreSQL, an established relational database platform, is ranked as the fourth most popular database as of 2025. Serverless PostgreSQL offers operational simplicity, allowing on-demand resource allocation, which is particularly beneficial for AI-centric projects. Major cloud providers, including Google, Microsoft, and AWS, offer serverless PostgreSQL services. Databricks aims to build a developer and AI-agent-friendly database platform with this acquisition. Serverless architectures excel in handling short bursts and smaller workloads, providing rapid scalability, but may present challenges in data management. Neon’s model enhances appeal for developers by distinguishing between storage and compute, facilitating automated scaling. The acquisition indicates a shift in infrastructure requirements for successful AI implementation, highlighting the need for flexible, instantly scalable serverless solutions.

Winsage

May 16, 2025

Microsoft just fixed a 9-month-old Windows bug, which is why it’s the perfect time to try Linux

Microsoft has fixed a long-standing bug in Windows 11 that affected dual-booting with Linux, which had persisted since August 2024. The issue arose from a Secure Boot Advanced Targeting (SBAT) setting introduced in a Windows 11 update, which inadvertently disrupted dual-boot configurations by incorrectly applying the SBAT value on certain devices. As of May 2, with the release of Windows 11 version 24H2, users can now successfully dual-boot between Windows 11 and other operating systems, including Linux.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

Only one person at Microsoft is talking about Windows 12 — let’s keep it that way

Microsoft has not made any formal announcement regarding the release of Windows 12. The end-of-support date for Windows 11 is October 14, 2025. Historically, Windows releases have followed a pattern where every alternate version is perceived as inferior: Windows 95 (good), Windows 98 (bad), Windows 98 SE (good), Windows ME (bad), Windows XP (good), Windows Vista (bad), Windows 7 (good), Windows 8 (bad), Windows 10 (good), and Windows 11 (bad). If Windows 12 is released, it is expected to have increased hardware demands and may heavily rely on artificial intelligence, potentially leaving users with outdated hardware.

Winsage

May 15, 2025

The ‘End of 10’ is nigh, but don’t bury your PC just yet

The "End of 10" website is a collaborative initiative aimed at educating users about alternatives to purchasing new computers as Windows 10 approaches its end of life. The official launch is set for May 28, and the site features a comprehensive list of over 70 locations worldwide for Linux support, with a significant concentration in Germany. Recent data shows that Windows 11 has a market share of 16.5%, while Windows 10 has 15.5%. Approximately 400 million Windows 10 machines cannot upgrade due to hardware limitations. The UK's Consumer Association magazine suggests converting to ChromeOS Flex for those unable to upgrade or purchase new hardware. Which? recommends Ubuntu for users willing to learn a new system, and alternatives like Linux Mint or Ubuntu flavors are suggested for those transitioning from Windows. The discussion also mentions the longevity of Windows 10 LTSC and the maturity of tools like Snap and systemd in recent years.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Neon Serverless Postgres: Azure Native Integration Now Available

Microsoft and Neon have launched Neon Serverless Postgres as a native integration within the Azure ecosystem, following its initial preview in December 2024. This open-source, serverless database solution is positioned as an alternative to AWS Aurora Postgres. Key features include automatic scaling, branching capabilities, direct database connection from Azure, Azure CLI and SDK support, and Semantic Kernel integration for RAG pipelines. Microsoft has invested millions in Neon as part of a broader funding round to enhance collaboration. Neon’s platform includes autoscaling, branching, and point-in-time restore capabilities, specifically designed for AI applications. EnterpriseDB has appointed Nancy Hensley as Chief Product Officer to lead growth for its EDB Postgres AI platform, which supports various workloads and modernizes legacy systems. Additionally, companies are increasingly adopting passwordless authentication methods, with MojoAuth offering solutions that integrate into applications to enhance security and user experience.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Databricks to acquire serverless database startup Neon for USD 1 Billion

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a serverless Postgres startup, for approximately USD 1 billion. Neon specializes in a modern database service based on PostgreSQL, offering features such as near-instantaneous database provisioning, elastic scaling, and powerful branching capabilities. This acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' offerings for AI tools, particularly AI Agents. Databricks has a history of expanding through acquisitions, including the purchase of MosaicML for USD 1.3 billion in 2023 and Tabular for over USD 1 billion in 2024. The company has a valuation of USD 62 billion and projected annualized revenue of USD 2.4 billion by mid-year. The acquisition awaits regulatory approvals.

Tech Optimizer

May 15, 2025

Databricks to Acquire Neon in USD 1 Billion Deal to Power AI Agent Workflows with Serverless Postgres

Databricks intends to acquire Neon, a cloud-based serverless Postgres platform, for approximately USD 1 billion. Neon, founded in 2021, offers a managed, open-source Postgres service with features like effortless database cloning, isolated environment testing, and point-in-time data restoration. Over 80% of databases on Neon are created by AI agents. The acquisition aims to enhance Databricks' infrastructure for AI-native applications, allowing developers to create isolated Postgres instances quickly and decouple compute and storage resources. Neon has raised USD 129.5 million from investors, while Databricks has secured over USD 19 billion in funding, with a valuation of USD 62 billion. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, and Neon's team will join Databricks post-acquisition.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks buys serverless database startup Neon for reported $1B

Databricks Inc. has confirmed its acquisition of Neon Inc. for approximately billion. Databricks, based in San Francisco, was valued at billion after its last funding round. Neon specializes in managed cloud databases, has raised over million in funding, and utilizes a proprietary storage engine built on PostgreSQL. Neon's architecture allows for rapid deployment of database instances in under a second, which enhances performance for AI agents. The acquisition is expected to be finalized by July 31.

Tech Optimizer

May 14, 2025

Databricks adds Postgres database with $1B Neon acquisition

Databricks announced its intention to acquire Neon, a developer of a cloud-based dataset platform built on PostgreSQL, to enhance capabilities for developers and autonomous AI agents. The acquisition's estimated value is approximately billion, although financial specifics remain undisclosed. Neon, based in Menlo Park, California, raised .6 million prior to the acquisition. This move will expand Databricks' portfolio with open-source database functionalities, aiding in the development of data and AI applications. Databricks has made several acquisitions to support generative AI development, including MosaicML, Arcion, Einblick, Lilac AI, BladeBridge, and Tabular, with some valued at over billion. Neon's platform allows users to create PostgreSQL instances quickly and features a disaggregated compute and storage architecture for automatic scaling. The Neon team will join Databricks following the acquisition's completion.