Database management

PostgreSQL database specialist EnterpriseDB gets new backing

EnterpriseDB is looking to push its database further with help from new financial backers. The deal sees Postgres originator Michael Stonebraker coming onboard as technical adviser. Continue Reading

Why database admins should embrace automation

There are certain functions in database administration, that are good candidates for automation. These are the nuts and bolts of the job - like how to partition the storage, what happens if a disk ... Continue Reading

ASEAN CIOs learn to navigate the data economy

A group of IT leaders in Southeast Asia will converge in Edinburgh this July to delve deeper into issues that have been holding back efforts to become better data-driven organisations Continue Reading

Oracle results: Revenue flat, cloud progress claimed

Full-year 2018-19 results show revenue flat to slight, but executives claim cloud headway and progress on autonomous database uptake Continue Reading

How to create Oracle Multitenant database user accounts

Database administrator Brian Peasland outlines the process of creating users in an Oracle Multitenant environment and details new views in the Oracle data dictionary. Continue Reading

Gartner: Blockchain lacks functionality needed by enterprise

Gartner has found there is generally a lack of understanding of how blockchain can be used in the enterprise Continue Reading

How Alibaba Cloud plans to win over APAC enterprises

The Chinese cloud supplier is counting on data analytics, industry-specific offerings and its knowledge of the China market to gain a foothold in the Asia-Pacific region Continue Reading

Salesforce completes Pardot fix after 12 days’ disruption

Plug was pulled on 17 May after a data script went wrong. Most users have had full access since 18 May, but 10 services remained down Continue Reading

SAP extends Hana’s reach beyond enterprise applications

The benefits of Hana Cloud Services are clear to Asia-Pacific customers, although actual adoption will boil down to cost Continue Reading

How to connect to a pluggable database in Oracle Multitenant

Once you've created pluggable databases in an Oracle Multitenant system, the next step is to connect applications to them so they can be used. Here's how to do that. Continue Reading

Singapore proposes data portability provisions

The Personal Data Protection Commission is seeking public feedback on proposed provisions that will let consumers move their personal data across organisations Continue Reading

CW APAC: Expert advice on data management

Data is growing exponentially, so managing it well is crucial to business success. In this handbook, Computer Weekly looks at how companies and data management experts are tackling data challenges, studies the findings of Gartner’s CDO study, and finds out how organisations are augmenting data management through artificial intelligence and machine learning. Continue Reading

Huawei debuts AI-powered database

Huawei is using reinforcement learning to deliver self-tuning and self-healing capabilities for the latest iteration of its GaussDB database Continue Reading

Creating an Oracle Multitenant container database and PDBs

Database administrator Brian Peasland outlines how to create the container and pluggable databases that are at the heart of the Oracle Multitenant architecture. Continue Reading

MongoDB buys Realm database to boost mobile chops

MongoDB is buying Realm, the maker of an open source database for cross-platform mobile applications, to boost its Atlas cloud platform and Stitch backend as a service. Continue Reading

SQL Server performance tuning best practices for DBAs

Tuning database performance is a complex process, but consultant Joey D'Antoni details a list of SQL Server performance tuning best practices that can make it easier. Continue Reading

Pros and cons of using SQL Server audit triggers for DBAs

Using triggers to capture audit information in SQL Server can be instrumental in keeping track of database use and changes. But they aren't a perfect fit for all cases. Continue Reading

Using data science at Sainsbury’s

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to one of the UK’s leading retailers, Sainsbury’s, about its data science strategy and how it helps the firm to better understand customers. We take a detailed look at the evolution of the business intelligence market and the impact of big data. And we find out how simulated disaster management can tackle the security skills gap. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

How APAC firms can tame the data beast

Companies and data management experts across Asia-Pacific reveal how they are tackling data management challenges that have been compounded by growing cloud usage and compliance requirements Continue Reading

What is the difference between a database engineer, architect and administrator?

Expert Michael Hillenbrand explains the difference between a database engineer, a database architect and a database administrator. Continue Reading

How to resolve and avoid deadlocks in SQL Server databases

Deadlocks are a real hindrance to SQL Server users, but database administrators can avoid them by taking steps to limit them and stop them from recurring. Continue Reading

Amadeus deploys cloud-native shopping application on Google cloud

Amadeus has moved off mainframes and is redeveloping its software to be cloud native. Its Master Pricer is the first of its core application to be deployed on Google Continue Reading

Australian firms grapple with business-IT gap

The growing chasm between business and IT has hit Australia more than other countries, according to a study on the state of digital transformation initiatives Continue Reading

How D+1 keeps payroll woes at bay

The Singapore-based F&B business behind the Yolé frozen yogurt chain has consolidated its payroll data into a single database powered by Unit4’s HR management system Continue Reading

Modernising IT at the Bank of England

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to the Bank of England as it starts the modernisation programme for its core system – one that the UK economy relies on. We look at the rise of DevSecOps and how it can help deal with increasingly complex security threats. And we examine the different approaches to storage for structured and unstructured data. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

SQL Server auditing best practices: 3 key questions for DBAs

Acing a SQL Server database audit starts with careful monitoring of how sensitive data is accessed and used so you can answer the top questions that auditors ask. Continue Reading

Redis Labs swaps out open source to protect against public clouds

While Redis remain open source, higher value modules are now covered by a commercial agreement which limits commercialisation of Redis-based products Continue Reading

Innocent people arrested following surveillance blunders, IPCO reveals

Interception of communications commissioner Adrian Fulford warns of “grave” repercussions for people wrongly identified as suspects due to errors made when government bodies access email, phone and telephone data Continue Reading

5 trends for SQL Server environments as SQL Server 2019 looms

SQL Server is undergoing new changes, as Microsoft prepares to release the 2019 version of the database software. Other changes are also on tap for SQL Server users. Continue Reading

No-deal Brexit could lead to data issues, MPs told

Trade body TechUK is concerned smaller companies are far from ready for a no-deal scenario, while warning that leaving without a deal could lead to serious data issues for businesses Continue Reading

5 data management infrastructure technologies to evaluate

It's the start of a new year -- is your organization ready to face the data management challenges ahead? Here are five technologies to consider adopting. Continue Reading

Facebook’s objections to court concerns over privacy more about ‘optics’ than facts

Facebook’s challenge to a High Court ruling that raises serious concerns about data transfers between Europe and the US is more about appearance than facts, lawyers for the Irish Data Protection Commission told Dublin's Supreme Court Continue Reading

Advantages of graph databases: Easier data modeling, analytics

Graph databases are finding a place in analytics applications at organizations that need to be able to map and understand the connections in large and varied data sets. Continue Reading

AWS pushes MongoDB compatible alternative as licences change

They probably didn't see that coming... MongoDB's switch to server-side licensing may have backfired, as AWS launches an API-compatible version Continue Reading

Storage 101: Structured data and its storage needs

Structured data is declining as a proportion of all data but its importance to business applications and its organised nature make its storage requirements very specific Continue Reading

Key new features coming in Oracle Database 19c

With Oracle Database 19c, Oracle is aiming to boost the stability of its flagship software's latest generation. But 19c also offers DBAs a variety of added features. Continue Reading

Ellison slates AWS Aurora as Oracle posts flat second quarter

Oracle was late to the cloud, but CTO Larry Ellison is adamant that no one will swap out Oracle for Amazon Continue Reading

SQL Server 2019 improves Linux, container support

The SQL Server 2019 release includes new big data integration features, a collection of database engine enhancements and improved Linux and container support. Continue Reading

The real Oracle cloud strategy that may work vs. AWS and Azure

Oracle's database software is at the heart of its efforts to move users to its cloud. And that strategy might work, despite Oracle's inauspicious standing in the cloud now. Continue Reading

Why to give third-party Oracle database monitoring tools a try

Oracle DBAs can use features in Oracle Enterprise Manager under database licenses. But third-party tools may aid efforts to monitor and tune database performance. Continue Reading

Tibco’s Orchestra acquisition will mean ‘faster IT integration’

Tibco’s strategic acquisition of Paris-based Orchestra networks will ‘benefit customers of both companies’ Continue Reading

Don't let blockchain complexity bog down business applications

Enterprise blockchain applications that run in a controlled environment don't require some of the components of cryptocurrency networks, explains expert David Teich. Continue Reading

Amazon Timestream, QLDB aim to grab more DBMS users for AWS

Built-for-purpose databases target general ones, especially in the cloud. At re:Invent 2018, AWS added time-series and transaction ledger databases to expand its line. Continue Reading

New forms of governance needed to safely and ethically unlock value of data

Despite today’s abundance of data, most of it remains locked in silos, meaning new governance structures are needed to open it up and unlock its potential value to society Continue Reading

CDO interview: Aidan Millar, DNB

Norwegian bank hires chief data officer to lead its data-driven transformation Continue Reading

5 FAQs on SQL Server containers and how to manage them

Running SQL Server in containers creates new challenges for database administrators. The answers to these questions can guide you through some of them. Continue Reading

Thailand’s Democrat Party holds election with blockchain

The Zcoin blockchain was used to store file hashes of voting data and identities of voting members of Thailand’s main opposition party Continue Reading

What the 3 versions of Oracle Cloud at Customer offer users

Oracle's Cloud at Customer service lets users run its cloud technologies in their data centers. Here's what users get in the different versions of the managed service. Continue Reading

The most useful new features in Microsoft SQL Server 2019

SQL Server 2019 includes welcome new features, particularly updates to its indexing and high availability capabilities and added SQL Server on Linux functionality. Continue Reading

Oracle OpenWorld 2018 news, trends and analysis

At its OpenWorld 2018 conference, Oracle tried to position its cloud platform as well-suited for enterprise uses. This guide compiles coverage of key developments from the event. Continue Reading

Users look to Oracle Autonomous Database to lighten IT load

Early users are kicking the tires of Autonomous Database, attracted by Oracle's pledge that the cloud technology will automate database administration chores. Continue Reading

Microsoft results show hybrid benefit to Azure growth

The software company continues to push the benefits of on-premise Windows Server infrastructure alongside Azure PaaS Continue Reading

Oracle bullish on growth in ASEAN

Enterprise technology juggernaut Oracle claims traction in cloud applications and growing interest in its cloud-based autonomous database service in Southeast Asia Continue Reading

Oracle Open World 2018: CEO Mark Hurd says SAP ERP customers will defect

Oracle co-CEO Mark Hurd opined at Open World that SAP ECC6 customers will defect, in some measure, to Oracle in preference to S/4 Hana Continue Reading

Updated Oracle Gen 2 Cloud aims to challenge cloud leaders

With enhancements to its Autonomous Database technology and cloud infrastructure security services, Oracle is trying to gain ground on Amazon and other cloud rivals. Continue Reading

6 best practices on Oracle performance monitoring and tuning

Database administrators need to effectively manage Oracle Database performance to ensure an efficient processing workflow. Let this checklist be your guide. Continue Reading

What Oracle performance tuning tools can and can't do for DBAs

Two Oracle experts discuss the tuning and monitoring capabilities of database performance management tools -- and the ongoing role that DBAs play in the process. Continue Reading

MarkLogic Data Hub Service aims to ease cloud use of NoSQL DBMS

MarkLogic rolled out a cloud-service version of its NoSQL database management system, a move designed to make the technology more cost-effective for cloud users. Continue Reading

Geospatial Commission pumps £5m into unlocking value of location data

Commission wants to unlock the value of location data held by its partners through the use of emerging technologies Continue Reading

CIO interview: Marcella Flood, head of digital transformation, Allianz Care

Insurance giant’s international healthcare division is dealing with legacy systems while working on a data-led transformation that is underpinned by standards Continue Reading

Snowflake making headway in Australia

Cloud data warehouse supplier Snowflake has nabbed several Australian customers and is looking at delivering its software via the Azure cloud service next year Continue Reading

SQL Server high availability best practices in the cloud

The cloud isn't immune to system failures. You can increase database uptime and prevent data losses with these high availability best practices for SQL Server in the cloud. Continue Reading

Open source RDBMS uses spurred by lower costs, cloud options

Open source technologies have become more capable alternatives to mainstream relational databases for cost-conscious users -- and the cloud makes them more accessible. Continue Reading

2 ways to attach SQL Server database files to Linux containers

SQL Server files can be stored outside of Docker containers in host directories or volumes. Here's how to set up SQL Server on Linux databases and attach them to containers. Continue Reading

Digital projects failing because of poor databases

Legacy databases are unsuitable to run modern digitisation initiatives. Teams risk losing their jobs if their projects fail, warns Couchbase Continue Reading

Oracle Autonomous Database Cloud gets transaction processing

Oracle launched a transaction processing version of Autonomous Database, a cloud-based platform that automates configuration and management of Oracle databases. Continue Reading

Open source DBMS software gains foothold in enterprise IT

Open source databases are increasingly making their way into corporate IT environments, says Gartner analyst Merv Adrian in a Q&A. But some care is required. Continue Reading

GDPR harmonised with local laws in Nordic EU states

Sweden provides an interesting challenge for the European Union’s data protection regulation due to its laws around freedom of press and free speech Continue Reading

What machine learning practitioners can learn from data warehousing

Cloudera’s head of emerging business shares lessons that machine learning practitioners can learn from their cousins in data warehousing Continue Reading

How to attach databases to custom SQL Server containers

Deploying SQL Server in Docker containers for production applications typically requires custom containers. Here are guidelines on how to attach databases to them. Continue Reading

How Splunk is ‘splunking’ data for APAC enterprises

Splunk’s regional vice-president talks up the company’s business strategy and how its customers are using big data analytics in security and IT operations Continue Reading

How graph data modeling can help evaluate database tools

Mapping data to a graph model can be challenging, but these steps can help you create prototype applications -- which then can aid in evaluating graph databases. Continue Reading

eHarmony hooks up with Redis NoSQL database for hot storage

The Redis key-value store finds use in a system to match would-be romantic partners on dating site eHarmony, which employs a variety of NoSQL databases to make love click online. Continue Reading

Hadoop data governance services surface in wake of GDPR

GDPR influence is touching a Hadoop big data world that was immune to many privacy considerations until now. This podcast features the rise of Hadoop data governance for data lakes. Continue Reading

How Oracle DBA responsibilities change with Autonomous Database

Oracle's Autonomous Database automates basic tasks of database administrators. That may put some DBA jobs at risk, but many will shift to higher-level duties. Continue Reading

MongoDB 4.0, Stitch aim to grow NoSQL apps in cloud, on-prem

NoSQL vendor MongoDB upgraded its database software with ACID support, while also releasing a serverless platform intended to simplify application development. Continue Reading

British Muslim challenges use of intelligence databases for repeated police stops

Muzaffar Abdullah is challenging police use of intelligence databases to repeatedly stop and question Muslims, after being arrested for refusing to answer questions under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000. His lawyers say he had been stopped at least 10 times before and the police should have known he had no connection to terrorism Continue Reading

Data locked in legacy systems curbs digitisation plans

Maintaining access to data stuck in legacy systems is costly and limits IT’s ability to work on digital transformation initiatives Continue Reading

What's the difference between DDL and DML?

What's the difference between DDL and DML? Get the answer and see examples of data manipulation language and data definition language commands for SQL databases. Continue Reading

SAP outlines approach to data management

Through its Hana Data Management Suite, SAP hopes to alleviate the challenges of managing data amid growing data security needs in an increasingly hybrid IT landscape Continue Reading

Case study: Mercedes F1 team makes gains with Pure Storage all-flash

Two years ago, the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team deployed Pure Storage all-flash arrays in its datacentre and in mobile racks out on the circuit. It’s a bet that has paid off for the racing team Continue Reading

DCMS sets out plans for National Data Strategy

A new centre for data ethics and innovations will drive UK government policy making regarding data sharing and use of public data Continue Reading

GlaxoSmithKline R&D creates data platform using Hadoop for the internal sharing of scientific data

GlaxoSmithKline is making better use of the data it has about the development and trials of medicines through a Hadoop-based platform Continue Reading

GPU databases bring greater parallelism to big data processing

GPU databases offer a new way to process data. 451 Research analyst James Curtis discusses where they fit in big data applications, particularly for parallel processing. Continue Reading

Singapore organisations not paying heed to data veracity

Most Singapore respondents in a global Accenture survey said they have not invested in capabilities to verify data used in decision-making Continue Reading

Oracle’s autonomous database could leave DBAs unemployed

The long-term future of database administrators could be at risk if every enterprise adopts the Oracle 18c autonomous database Continue Reading

CockroachDB database wagered on for scalability boost, GDPR

CockroachDB is an open source distributed database designed for processing on a global scale, a need that online gambling company Kindred Group hopes it can meet. Continue Reading

Currency of data separates leaders from laggards

With customer data growing in ever-evolving volumes, we look at how companies are using data analytics to stay in control Continue Reading

Oracle 18c features give DBAs incremental database capabilities

Oracle Database 18c is really another version of 12c Release 2 with a different name. It doesn't contain major new features, but it does expand functionality in various areas. Continue Reading

Currency of data separates leaders from laggards

With customer data growing in ever-evolving volumes, we look at how companies are using data analytics to stay in control Continue Reading

Congolese health workers and patients benefit from Couchbase database

Belgian public health consulting firm AEDES has worked with a local partner in the Democratic Republic of Congo to deliver a health information management system based on Couchbase Continue Reading

Data analytics is about culture, not technology

Enterprises need to figure out the business problems they are trying to solve and foster a data-driven culture to benefit from data analytics Continue Reading

Cloud workloads see gradual uptake, but miles to go for databases

A picture of steady but not rapid migration to the cloud by Oracle users emerged at Collaborate 18, with database vets saying it's wise to be selective on what to move. Continue Reading

Estonia’s digital residency programme faces first headwind

The Baltic country’s programme to offer anyone, anywhere a chance to run a company online is facing its first crisis Continue Reading

Why running SQL Server on Docker is no longer frowned upon

Microsoft now lets SQL Server databases run in Docker containers, a capability that depends on using volumes to store data in a persistent way outside the containers. Continue Reading

What the Microsoft GDPR compliance toolkit offers for SQL Server

The set of GDPR compliance tools that Microsoft offers for SQL Server is designed to make it easier for users of the database software to adhere to the EU's new data rules. Continue Reading

Podcast: Storage compliance for GDPR data subject requests

The General Data Protection Regulation is upon us. Mathieu Gorge, CEO of Vigitrust, talks you through the key areas needed for compliance in storage of data subjects’ data and how to find it quickly on request Continue Reading

SAP bids to modernise indirect licensing with new pricing model

SAP has announced a new pricing model for indirect licensing scenarios that has been welcomed by user groups, who are still pressing for reassurance that they won’t pay more Continue Reading

Oracle Autonomous Database debut heralds new cloud hopes

It wasn't the first in the cloud computing space, but Oracle is all in now. Key to the effort is a new Autonomous Database service, initially available for data warehousing uses. Continue Reading

Amazon Neptune: a shot in the arm for the graph database?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced its entry to the graph database market at its AWS reINVENT conference in Seattle in November last year. It was a notable announcement for a couple of reasons: it ... Continue Reading