From Amazon Q Code Transformation to Oracle embracing PostgreSQL, from my yearly re:Invent recap to a new non-open-source functional source license: a recap of my pieces for InfoQ in December.

Amazon Aurora Introduces Long-Awaited RDS Data API to Simplify Serverless Workloads

Recently, AWS introduced a new Data API for Aurora Serverless v2 and Aurora provisioned database instances. Currently available for PostgreSQL clusters only, the Data API doesn’t require persistent connections to a database cluster, addressing a long-awaited need among developers to simplify serverless deployments.

Amazon Q Code Transformation: Automating Java Application Upgrades

AWS has recently announced the preview of Amazon Q Code Transformation, a service designed to simplify the process of upgrading existing Java application code through generative artificial intelligence. The new feature aims to minimize legacy code and automate common language upgrade tasks required to move off older language versions.

AWS Unveils Fourth-Generation Graviton Processor with R8g EC2 Instances

During the recent re:Invent, AWS announced the preview of memory-optimized R8g instances powered by the fourth-generation Graviton processor. The new instances are designed for memory-intensive workloads, including databases, in-memory caches, and real-time big data analytics.

AWS Exposes Free Tier API to Help Developers Avoid Unexpected Bills

AWS has recently introduced a Free Tier API allowing developers to check their AWS Free Tier usage and monitor progress toward the free tier limits. This API can be accessed directly through the AWS CLI or integrated into applications using the SDKs, reducing the chance of unexpected bills.

Amazon RDS Now Supports IBM Db2

During the recent re:Invent conference, AWS announced that Amazon RDS now offers support for IBM Db2, including both the Standard Edition and Advanced Edition. Db2 becomes the sixth engine supported by this managed database service, joining PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, and Oracle.

Microsoft Integrates Copilot with Azure Quantum Elements for Advancing Scientific Research

At the recent Ignite conference, Microsoft demonstrated the advantages of combining AI and Azure Quantum Elements, a suite of services and tools for quantum chemistry and materials science. With the integration of Copilot, the new solution allows researchers to explore more materials, speed up chemistry simulations, and experiment with existing quantum hardware.

OCI Database: Oracle Embraces PostgreSQL

Oracle has recently announced the general availability of OCI Database with PostgreSQL version 14.9. With the first managed PostgreSQL service available on Oracle Cloud, all cloud providers now offer a PostgreSQL-compatible managed option.

Amazon S3 Introduces High-Performance Storage Class

During the recent re:Invent conference, AWS announced the general availability of S3 Express One Zone, a high-performance, single-AZ storage class that provides single-digit millisecond data access. Reducing request costs, the new storage class is designed for processing data in AI/ML training and financial modeling.

Recap of AWS re:Invent 2023: Amazon Q, Frugal Architectures, Database Upgrades

The 12th edition of re:Invent has just ended in Las Vegas. As expected, artificial intelligence was a key topic of the conference, with Amazon Bedrock and Amazon Q, a new type of generative AI-powered assistant, the main focus of Adam Selipsky’s keynote.

Sentry Introduces Non-Open-Source Functional Source License

Sentry has recently announced the creation and adoption of the Functional Source License (FSL), a non-compete license that converts to Apache 2.0 or MIT after two years. Similar to the Business Source License (BSL) but with a shorter non-compete period and less variability, the new license received mixed feelings from the community.