transactions Archives

Tech Optimizer

October 11, 2026

Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL now supports direct querying of Apache Iceberg and Parquet data in your data lake

Amazon has introduced a new capability for Amazon Aurora PostgreSQL that allows users to query operational data alongside data stored in data lakes formatted in Apache Iceberg and Apache Parquet. This feature enables direct access to Iceberg REST Catalog-compatible catalogs, eliminating the need for data duplication or relocation. The integration of DuckDB within Aurora PostgreSQL allows users to query live operational data, including uncommitted writes, alongside data from data lakes using standard PostgreSQL syntax. This capability is available on Aurora PostgreSQL versions 17 (starting with 17.11) and 18 (starting with 18.6). Users must create an Aurora PostgreSQL cluster, attach an IAM role with the AuroraAnalytics feature, and enable the aurora_analytics extension to utilize this feature. They can create foreign tables referencing Iceberg or Parquet data in the data lake, and query them using familiar PostgreSQL commands. Aurora optimizes query performance through techniques like predicate pushdown and column pruning, and users can monitor query behavior with metrics provided by aurora_analytics_stat_statements(). Direct querying of Apache Iceberg and Parquet data is available across all commercial AWS Regions and AWS GovCloud (US) Regions without additional charges, aside from incremental Aurora compute and Amazon S3 request costs.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2026

AWS embeds DuckDB in its PostgreSQL DBMS to speed queries of live and historical data

Amazon Web Services Inc. has enhanced its Aurora PostgreSQL database management system to allow users to query the Apache Iceberg data lake directly. This feature integrates the DuckDB analytical engine, enabling seamless access to live transactions and historical records without data duplication or complex ETL processes. Customers can use existing PostgreSQL applications to query data in Amazon S3, including S3 Tables. The integration aims to reduce the engineering workload associated with data pipelines and supports real-time applications. DuckDB processes analytical scans within Aurora, eliminating extra network hops and allowing single queries to access both live and archived data. The feature supports external catalogs compliant with the Iceberg REST Catalog specification and can create foreign tables referencing data across multiple catalogs. Aurora optimizes query performance by filtering records and caching frequently accessed data. Customers can combine recent transactions in Aurora with historical data from S3 without manual schema definitions. For low-latency workloads, selected data can be copied into native Aurora tables using standard SQL. This capability requires the aurora_analytics extension and an AWS IAM role for S3 and Glue access, and is compatible with Aurora PostgreSQL versions 17.11 and 18.6. The feature is available across all AWS regions at no additional charge, with costs incurred only for Aurora computing resources and S3 requests.

Tech Optimizer

October 10, 2026

How Telangana’s MeeSeva migration to open source could make governments rethink software costs

In April 2026, Telangana's MeeSeva platform migrated from the Oracle database to the open-source PostgreSQL database after 15 years of reliance on Oracle. This transition aimed to reduce annual costs of approximately ₹10 crore associated with Oracle licensing and maintenance. The initiative began in 2023, and the migration was executed with less than four hours of downtime, processing around 80,000 transactions daily. The migration involved over 85 microservices, three Oracle servers, and 1,939 tables, with the process automated by the Ora2Pg tool, which handled 60-70% of the transition. The migration cost was below ₹10 lakh, and after the switch, MeeSeva processed nearly 200 million transactions without data loss. The new architecture includes automatic failover capabilities to minimize disruption.

AppWizard

October 8, 2026

Google Faces £1.2bn UK Class-Action Over Android Fees

A class action lawsuit seeking £1.2 billion in damages from Google has been initiated in London on behalf of approximately 20 million consumers and businesses in the UK. The case focuses on purchases made through the Google Play store or via Android devices between October 1, 2015, and July 31, 2026, including paid applications, subscription services, upgrades, and in-game purchases. Plaintiffs argue that Google's standard fee of around 30 percent has unfairly inflated costs for consumers. Google claims it has some of the lowest fees in the industry and denies having excessive market power. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) described Google and Apple as operating an "effective duopoly" in the mobile operating systems market. In a related case, Apple was found to have abused its dominant position, resulting in potential damages of around £1.5 billion for an estimated 36 million consumers.

Winsage

October 8, 2026

Microsoft Windows and Surface event

A new initiative has been introduced to simplify the purchasing process by enhancing customer experience. Key components include: - Customers will provide essential location details: state, zip code, and country. - A dropdown menu will allow customers to select their state, reducing input errors. - The zip code input field will accommodate a maximum of seven characters for ease of entry. - A clear label will guide customers to specify their country, aiding in service customization. This redesign aims to improve user experience and operational efficiency.

Tech Optimizer

October 7, 2026

VPN threat protection vs. dedicated antivirus: Are VPNs really enough?

Many VPN providers are now offering additional security features such as malware detection, malicious link checkers, and ad blockers, alongside their primary function of encrypting internet traffic. Notable VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark have integrated real-time malware protection, with NordVPN becoming the first VPN to receive certification as a reliable anti-phishing tool in 2024. Surfshark's Surfshark One package offers comprehensive real-time protection from viruses and malware. Other VPNs, such as Avira and CyberGhost, utilize shared infrastructures for antivirus capabilities, which can lead to delays in updates and inconsistent platform support. Microsoft Defender has improved significantly, blocking 95.5% of live threats according to AV-Comparatives, while Apple employs multiple defenses in macOS, including Gatekeeper and XProtect, to manage malware threats. Avast Free Antivirus has achieved a perfect 100% block rate in recent testing but comes with limitations compared to paid antivirus suites like Norton 360 Deluxe and Bitdefender Total Security, which offer additional features such as password managers and identity monitoring. A layered approach to digital security, combining a VPN, free antivirus, and built-in OS-level security, is recommended for effective protection. Relying solely on one layer leaves potential gaps, as a VPN cannot detect existing malware, and free antivirus solutions may lack advanced features. Users managing sensitive data or frequent financial transactions should consider investing in premium antivirus suites for enhanced security.

Winsage

October 2, 2026

From Windows to AI: Talee Brings the Microsoft Ecosystem Together for Modern Business

Talee helps businesses utilize Microsoft's technology ecosystem, which includes Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, SQL Server, Visual Studio, security, and artificial intelligence. The company integrates these tools into cohesive solutions for organizations undergoing digital transformation. Talee emphasizes the interconnectedness of Microsoft's offerings, enabling organizations to leverage technologies like Microsoft 365, Azure, and AI tools effectively. The modern workplace has evolved with Microsoft 365 integrating productivity applications with cloud storage and collaboration tools. Talee supports the transition from traditional desktop computing to cloud infrastructure using Microsoft Azure. It also connects Microsoft SQL Server and Azure for data management. AI is increasingly embedded in Microsoft's ecosystem, enhancing user interactions with software. Talee's solutions cater to both end-users and developers, utilizing tools like Visual Studio and Azure. Security is a critical focus, with Microsoft providing comprehensive security measures across its ecosystem. Talee promotes viewing Microsoft's technology portfolio as an interconnected ecosystem rather than isolated products, facilitating organizations' ability to adapt to future technological needs.

AppWizard

September 30, 2026

Google Play Cuts Game Fee to 15%, Day-One Rule [2026]

Starting September 30, 2026, Google will implement changes to the Android game distribution economics through the Google Play Games Level Up program, reducing the commission on game revenue exceeding million annually from 20% to 15%. Developers must launch their games on Android simultaneously with other platforms to qualify for this discount; otherwise, they will be ineligible for six months. The new fee structure includes a baseline rate cut to 10% on the first million and 20% on earnings above that, while the Level Up program allows qualifying titles to pay 15% on revenue beyond the first million. The rollout of the Level Up program will begin in Australia, the European Economic Area, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States on September 30, 2026, followed by South Korea on December 31, 2026, and the rest of the world on September 30, 2027. If a game launches on a non-Android platform first, it will face a six-month waiting period before qualifying for Level Up pricing. Existing games launched before September 30, 2026, are exempt from this penalty.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

TNS Expands Android Terminal Platform with Bring Your Own App

Transaction Network Services (TNS) has launched a capability called Bring Your Own App (BYOA) for operators in the payment industry, allowing them to create and deploy customer-facing applications on TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminals. BYOA simplifies payment processing, compliance, and certification by managing card capture, PIN collection, encryption, EMV processing, and payment certification. Each operator's application must be approved and signed by TNS before execution on the terminal. This model enables operators to focus on enhancing customer experiences without the usual security and compliance burdens. BYOA is available across TNS's Android-based unattended payment terminal platform, including retail and fuel payment terminals.

AppWizard

September 29, 2026

Gemini app adding Google Wallet integration for ‘personalized insights’

The Gemini Connected App has introduced a feature called Google Wallet, which provides users with tailored information based on their stored data, helping manage digital assets like loyalty cards and travel documents. Users can retrieve information such as boarding passes and airline loyalty numbers. The app also offers financial insights, including transaction data from services like Plaid, expense summaries, budgeting tips, and overviews of rewards linked to stored cards. This integration is currently exclusive to Google Wallet users in the U.S. and allows users to ask questions about their spending habits. However, users cannot execute transactions or modify linked financial accounts through the app. The feature is being gradually rolled out and is limited to personal Google Accounts in the U.S.