Immediate availability of SkySQL from MariaDB

MariaDB Corporation announced the immediate availability of MariaDB SkySQL, a database-as-a-service (DBaaS), to unlock the full power of MariaDB Platform for transactions, analytics or both, and optimized with a cloud-native architecture. SkySQL delivers the “MariaDB in the cloud” experience customers have been waiting for - fully-featured, fully customizable and backed by world-class support and database expertise from the source, the engineers who built it.

“The universal need for accessible yet robust database services has never been higher - for around-the-clock critical operations and simplified analytics for a changing world. Existing services, long in the tooth, lockout community innovation, meaning patches, new versions and features are missing for literally years. MariaDB SkySQL is a next-generation cloud database, built by the world’s top database engineers in the industry, allowing organizations large and small to know they have an always-on partner to not only roll out new applications but ensure a consistent and enduring quality of service,” said Michael Howard, CEO, MariaDB Corporation.

SkySQL: A Better Cloud Database in Every Way

First-generation cloud databases emphasized convenience and price, yet also exposed certain gaps: stunted features that eliminate the ability to lift and shift to the cloud; limited configurations; mission-critical capabilities that are missing; entire industries alienated; and a lack of critical database expertise. SkySQL is the result of MariaDB’s mission to build a new and better cloud database, delivering customer requirements through technology and people. SkySQL cloud database is the first DBaaS to deliver:

Mission-critical for all: SkySQL is built using the highest standards for high availability, scalability and security, including support for failover across multiple zones, self-healing, read load balancing, transparent read/write splitting, IP whitelisting and end-to-end encryption. It is the only DBaaS leveraging MariaDB Enterprise Server for greater stability, reliability and security above and beyond the popular MariaDB Community Server. SkySQL also helps its customers meet GDPR requirements and is HIPAA-compliant.

• Always on, always ready: SkySQL runs on the latest version of MariaDB Platform so users always have access to the latest features, improvements, and security updates.
• Support for smart transactions: SkySQL supports transactions, analytics, and smart transactions. It’s the first DBaaS to offer row, columnar, and combined row and columnar storage.
• Expertise from the source: SkySQL is the first and only DBaaS built for MariaDB by MariaDB. With decades of database engineering, support, and administration experience, SkySQL customers get the same world-class support and peace of mind on-prem customers enjoy today. A DBaaS direct from the source means customers get the added benefit of influencing feature decisions and revenue is reinvested back into MariaDB innovation.

State-of-the-Art Architecture

SkySQL implements a modern architecture leveraging Kubernetes for container orchestration; ServiceNow for inventory, configuration and workflow management; and Prometheus and Grafana for real-time monitoring and visualization. Designed for multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments, SkySQL frees customers to use the cloud infrastructure of their choice rather than be locked in to one public cloud vendor’s ecosystem.

SkyDBA by Your Side

MariaDB is the first to offer cloud database administrator (DBA) support for a DBaaS, giving customers the ability to offload tasks that cannot be automated. Certified cloud architects implement best practices and deliver consultative support to customers in times of need. With SkySQL and MariaDB SkyDBAs, customers get database automation with personalized oversight, proactive care, and immediate intervention if necessary.

Availability

Access to SkySQL is available now on mariadb.com/skylaunch. The service is currently available on Google Cloud Platform, the most advanced Kubernetes infrastructure available today. Pricing starts at $0.45 per hour.

Getting Started

Deploy a database using SkySQL in three easy steps: create an account, select a workload (transactions, analytics or smart transactions) with configuration parameters, and launch the database service. SkySQL comes with enterprise documentation, a support portal with frequently asked questions, plus getting started guides and tutorials. Developers can access sample applications built on SkySQL on GitHub. Sign up for our upcoming webinar to learn more about the features and capabilities of SkySQL, including seeing demos and example applications.

Supporting Quotes

“Our initial testing showed better than expected performance with SkySQL on Google Cloud Platform. MariaDB SkySQL will open up new opportunities for us to iterate faster and provide a better experience for our customers,” said Paul Greaves, Head of Engineering, O2 Enterprise and Wifi, Telefónica UK Limited.

“Moving to the cloud has been extremely strategic for SelectQuote as it gives us the elasticity to support seasonal bursts in the insurance industry. In my experience, current DBaaS offerings have missed the mark on scalability and performance, and struggle when it comes to customer service. I’m extremely excited for MariaDB SkySQL. MariaDB has the expertise and means to deliver capabilities that go above and beyond other offerings and they can uniquely offer a human touch element for true peace of mind,” said Kathryn Sizemore, Database Architect, SelectQuote Insurance.

“451 Research's data illustrate that the database market is accelerating toward both database-as-a-service across hybrid IT systems and hybrid operational and analytic processing. Further, our research indicates that it will be those vendors that offer a consistent experience across the broadest portfolio of options that will likely benefit most from the changing market dynamics,” said James Curtis, Senior Analyst, Data, AI and Analytics, 451 Research, now a part of S&P Global Market Intelligence.