MemoryDB from AWS, Oracle Database 23ai (oh boy)

AWS
AWS has launched vector search for Amazon MemoryDB, offering ultra-low latency and top performance for generative AI applications like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and real-time recommendation engines. MemoryDB now supports storing millions of vectors with high recall rates and single-digit millisecond queries.

GCP
AI, analytics, and cloud-based data stores are transforming decision-making, but securing data is crucial, especially for regulated industries. Comforte’s Data Security Platform enhances Google BigQuery's security by protecting data throughout its lifecycle using pseudonymization methods like tokenization and format-preserving encryption. This enables a Bring Your Own Encryption (BYOE) approach, allowing consistent security across cloud environments. Comforte also integrates with BigQuery's remote functions, ensuring robust protection while maintaining data utility and compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

AZURE
This community call with Dennis Carriere from Collectiv and Tamer Farag from Microsoft to explore how partnering with Fabric Partners can elevate your Microsoft Fabric experience. The 60-minute session will cover new Fabric features, the value of different Microsoft Partner tiers, integrations with Azure, CRMs, and ERPs, advanced data management strategies, and real-world success stories. Gain insights into maximizing Fabric's impact on your digital transformation strategy.

DATABRICKS
Lenovo has partnered with Databricks to enhance AI adoption for businesses, becoming a Databricks Consulting & Systems Integration Select Tier Partner. This collaboration, led by Lenovo's AI Center of Excellence, focuses on unifying data sources, modernizing data platforms, and expanding AI capabilities. Initially targeting the Greater China and Asia Pacific region, the partnership will expand globally, offering cloud and data management, AI strategy, and training services to help companies maximize their AI investments

SNOWFLAKE
The Snowflake blog introduces the Polaris Catalog, an open-source catalog for Apache Iceberg that enhances interoperability across various processing engines. It allows users to manage a single copy of data without vendor lock-in and can be hosted on Snowflake's infrastructure or self-hosted. Polaris Catalog implements Iceberg’s open REST API, supporting engines like Apache Spark, Flink, and Trino. It will be available in public preview soon, with open-source code to be released within 90 days.

GRAPH DATABASES
AGEDB Technology Ltd. has acquired three strategic patents from its principal shareholder, Bitnine Holdings, Inc., solidifying its leadership in data processing and graph database technologies. This move replaces previous licensing agreements with full ownership of the patents, valued at $7.39 million. AGEDB will make annual payments to Bitnine based on revenue over three years. The acquisition enhances AGEDB's technological capabilities, allowing it to offer more advanced solutions to its clients.

VECTOR DATABASES
Oracle has launched Oracle Database 23ai, a groundbreaking integration of AI and machine learning directly within its database engine. This update, formerly known as Oracle 23c, offers a unified approach to managing diverse data types and introduces native support for vector data, enabling advanced AI-driven tasks. Key features include a natural language interface, an in-database SQL firewall for enhanced security, and automated SQL tuning. Oracle 23ai aims to simplify data management, making it more secure and efficient, setting a new standard in the database landscape.

DEEP DIVE
Several months ago, I sat for and passed the Microsoft AI-102 exam. It is fairly challenging, but it gives a good introduction into the AI services available in Azure.

The associated free course has been updated since passed the exam, primarily to incorporate the ubiquitous craze of Generative AI. Read about my travails here.