From Google Address Validation API to Apache Spark support in Amazon Athena, from AWS SimSpace Weaver to S3 mandatory encryption, a recap of my articles for InfoQ in January.

Optimized Reads and Optimized Writes Improve Amazon RDS Performances for MySQL Compatible Engines

AWS recently introduced RDS Optimized Reads and RDS Optimized Writes, which are designed to enhance the performance of MySQL and MariaDB workloads running on RDS. These new functionalities can improve query performances and provide higher write throughput but are available on a limited subset of instances and have multiple prerequisites.

AWS Lambda Now Supports Maximum Concurrency for SQS as Event Source

AWS Lambda now provides a way to control the maximum number of concurrent functions invoked by Amazon SQS as an event source. Setting the Maximum Concurrency, developers can determine the concurrency of the functions processing messages in individual SQS queues, simplifying the scalability of serverless applications.

Amazon Athena Now Supports Apache Spark Engine

Amazon Athena now supports the open-source distributed processing system Apache Spark to run fast analytics workloads. Data analysts and engineers can use Jupyter Notebook in Athena to perform data processing and programmatically interact with Spark applications.

Google Address Validation API Is Generally Available to Improve Address Accuracy

Google recently announced the general availability of the Address Validation API. The new feature of the Google Maps Platform validates an address, standardizes it for mailing, and determines the best-known geocode location for it.

AWS Releases SimSpace Weaver for Real-Time Spatial Simulations

AWS recently released SimSpace Weaver, a managed option to run real-time spatial simulations across multiple EC2 instances. Distributing simulation workloads, the service can handle large real-world environments, crowd simulations, and immersive interactive experiences.

Amazon S3 Encrypts All New Objects with AES-256

Since January 5th, Amazon S3 encrypts all new objects by default with AES-256 to protect data at rest. S3 automatically applies server-side encryption using Amazon S3-managed keys for each new object, unless a different encryption option is specified.

AWS Introduces Step Functions Distributed Map for Large-Scale Parallel Data Processing

AWS recently announced a distributed map for Step Functions, a solution for large-scale parallel data processing. Optimized for S3, the new feature of the AWS orchestration service targets interactive and highly parallel serverless data processing workflows.

Google Cloud Introduces Sensitive Actions to Improve Security for Premium Accounts

Google Cloud announced the preview of Sensitive Actions Service, a premium security feature to identify potentially risky behaviors on the cloud. The service detects when actions are taken in a GCP organization that could be damaging if taken by a malicious actor.

More news? A recap of my articles for InfoQ in December.