MariaDB to launch innovation research labs

MariaDB is launching a research division, called MariaDB Labs.

With this, the open source database company will tackle the most pressing issues in the database field. To begin with, it has collaborated with Intel on a new reference architecture. Michael Howard, CEO, MariaDB, shared plans at the recently held

M18 user conference in New York. He said that the labs will focus on three key areas—machine learning, distributed computing, and the use and exploitation of new chips, persistent storage and in-memory processing.

“Our research collaboration with MariaDB will focus on an innovative distributed log architecture using Intel Optane SSDs and Intel Persistent Memory woven together through high-performance fabrics,” said Alper Ilkbahar, Intel VP, data centre group; and GM, data centre memory and storage solutions.

The collaboration will look into a new reference architecture for distributed databases using highperformance fabrics. “Our shared goal is to enable faster recovery and cloning, increase overall performance and resilience, and reduce solution TCO from today’s level,” elaborated Ilkbahar.

In terms of machine learning, MariaDB Labs will be tasked with investigating how to use supervised and unsupervised techniques to drive better automation, including self-configuration and self-optimisation when running databases in the cloud. The research will look at distributed computing, specifically improving upon Webscale, geo-distributed deployments. Last but not the least, MariaDB Labs will look to develop next-generation chips, memory and storage in a bid to rethink the underlying infrastructure on which databases run.