October 2020 Summaries

The text discusses updates to the Cassandra certification program, making it easier for individuals to earn their Cassandra Developer or Administrator certifications. It encourages readers to visit the certification page and choose a learning path to get started. Additionally, it invites feedback and inquiries at [email protected] or @DataStaxDevs.

The text discusses updates to the Cassandra certification program, making it easier for individuals to earn their Cassandra Developer or Administrator certifications. It encourages readers to visit the certification page and choose a learning path to get started. Additionally, it invites feedback and inquiries at [email protected] or @DataStaxDevs.

The Open||Source||Data podcast is hosted by Sam Ramji, Chief Strategy Officer at DataStax, who has over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. The podcast features discussions on open source data, software, and various related topics with guests from diverse backgrounds. Some episodes have covered technical writing's importance in product design, the strength of open-source communities, and DevOps culture. The latest episode features a conversation with Google's Kelsey Hightower about data, Kubernetes, and personal growth within the tech industry.

The Open||Source||Data podcast is hosted by Sam Ramji, Chief Strategy Officer at DataStax, who has over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. The podcast features conversations about open source data, software, and various related topics with Sam's friends old and new. Some key points from the first three episodes include: technical writing's importance in product design, the strength of open source communities, and DevOps culture of shared purpose and trust. Subscribing to this podcast allows listeners to become part of a community interested in the future of technology and open source data. The latest episode features Google's Kelsey Hightower discussing data, Kubernetes, and personal growth.

Batches in Apache Cassandra™ are used to keep denormalized data in sync across multiple tables that contain similar data. A batch is an operation that takes a set of statements with common data and runs all statements as a group from a single coordinator node, ensuring a pass-fail condition for the entire batch. Logged batches provide stronger guarantees but come at an additional cost due to their extra steps and resource load. Unlogged batches can be used to optimize queries over a single partition in small numbers, reducing network traffic as they functionally become a single request from the driver to the coordinator. However, it is crucial to keep the number of requests small to avoid unbalanced load on the coordinator node. Batches are not atomic in the traditional sense and have no rollback on failure, but can provide strong guarantees for data synchronization when used correctly.

Batches in Apache Cassandra® are used to keep denormalized data in sync across multiple tables that contain similar data. A batch is an operation that takes a set of statements with common data and runs all statements as a group from a single coordinator node, providing a pass-fail condition based on the batch statement as a whole. Logged batches are the default option and provide stronger guarantees by replicating the batch log to 2 nodes and retrying in an aggressive manner. Unlogged batches do not use a batch log but still route all requests to the same coordinator as a single operation, offering network optimization at the expense of extra resource load on the coordinator node. Batches are not atomic in the traditional sense and have no rollback on failure, but they can provide a strong guarantee that all requests will complete. Understanding the impact and using batches correctly is crucial for optimizing performance and data consistency in Cassandra.

Sebastian Thrun, CEO of Kitty Hawk and Founder & Executive Chairman of Udacity, discusses the transformative role AI and machine learning will play in education, his experience leading two companies at once, and learning from failure. He emphasizes that being a lifelong learner is crucial and mistakes should be viewed as opportunities to learn quickly. Thrun believes that education is a human right and that AI will have a significant impact on work by taking over repetitive tasks. As society adopts a lifelong learning approach, the way we approach education will change in the future.

Sebastian Thrun, CEO of Kitty Hawk and Founder & Executive Chairman of Udacity, discusses the transformative role AI and machine learning will play in the future of education on the Inspired Execution podcast hosted by DataStax Chairman and CEO Chet Kapoor. Thrun emphasizes his passion for lifelong learning and views mistakes as opportunities to learn fast. He believes that education is a human right, and AI will have a significant impact on work, enabling us to focus more on bigger-picture tasks. Thrun also discusses the future of education with a lifelong learning approach and encourages younger generations to embrace technology. The podcast series is available on InspiredExecution.com, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

In this webinar, we discussed how to use the DataStax Astra DevOps API and REST data API to automate your database operations. We covered topics such as creating a service account, using the DevOps API to create a new database, and using the REST data API to insert data into that database. We also showed you how to get started with our sample app gallery by deploying a Spring PetClinic application directly into Gitpod from within Astra. Finally, we answered several questions submitted by attendees during the live webinar.

In this webinar, we discussed how to use the DataStax Astra Database-as-a-Service platform with Apache Cassandra and Spring Boot applications. We covered topics such as creating a service account, using the REST API to create a database, and deploying sample apps from the app gallery. Additionally, we touched on scaling cluster compute down to zero with the operator and configuring caching layers in Cassandra with auto-invalidation upon updates.

The text discusses the growing demand for skilled Cassandra professionals despite a significant number of developers and administrators obtaining certifications since 2016, with over half in 2020 alone. To address this gap, recent updates have been made to the certification program, including improved exams, new preparation workshops, enhanced test experience, reduced-cost or free exams, and a partnership with Mercer Mettl as the test delivery platform. The text encourages those interested in Cassandra certifications to take advantage of these updates and resources.

The text discusses the growing demand for skilled Cassandra professionals despite a significant number of developers and administrators obtaining certifications since 2016, with over half in 2020 alone. It highlights recent updates to the certification program, including improved exams that are more accessible to non-native English speakers, new problem-solving questions, and increased pass rates. The text also mentions a free exam preparation workshop, partnership with Mercer Mettl for streamlined registration and proctoring, reduced-cost or no-cost exams, and encourages interested individuals to visit the certification page to start their learning path.

Last week, DataStax announced new features in its cloud-based database service, DataStax Astra. These include Storage-Attached Indexing (SAI), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Peering, and support for multi-region databases. The latest blog post focuses on the latter feature, which enables businesses to maintain continuous uptime by providing geographic redundancy in case of regional power outages or network connectivity issues. Cassandra, a distributed database system, is used to ensure partition tolerance and handle these scenarios with ease. Astra now supports multi-region databases, allowing users to create C or D tier DBs and add regions seamlessly. This feature ensures data replication across all regions without additional configuration.

Last week, new features were announced for DataStax Astra including Storage-Attached Indexing (SAI), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Peering, and support for multi-region databases. The latest blog series discussed these features in detail. Multi-region database support is crucial for maintaining continuous uptime during natural disasters or regional power outages. Cassandra, a highly resilient database, has been used by digital natives to provide services worldwide that are unaffected by entire regions going offline. DataStax Astra now offers this capability with the ability to add up to three regions and automatically replicate data across them. This ensures seamless service continuity even during network connectivity issues between regions, unlike other databases which may suffer from split-brain syndrome.

In this episode of the Inspired Execution podcast, AT&T Business EVP of Customer Service and Operations Sorabh Saxena shares his 25-year journey with AT&T, emphasizing the importance of early exposure to diversity in shaping his growth and drive for innovation. He discusses how he developed a deep belief in equality and lifelong learning, which has helped him inspire teams throughout his career. Sorabh also highlights the significance of aligning teams towards collective goals and fostering a collaborative environment for successful digital transformation efforts. The podcast is available on InspiredExecution.com, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

In this week's episode of the Inspired Execution podcast, AT&T Business EVP of Customer Service and Operations Sorabh Saxena shares his insights on leadership, innovation, and digital transformation. Growing up in India during the 1970s and 1980s, Saxena believes that early exposure to diversity is crucial for success. He emphasizes the importance of aligning teams towards collective goals and inspiring high performance. Digital transformation efforts often fail due to incorrect approaches; Saxena suggests a continuous "transformation engine" running in perpetuity. To succeed in today's business world, organizations must cultivate a collaborative environment and democratize innovation. Following one's passion is crucial for enjoying a successful career. The podcast series is available on various platforms including InspiredExecution.com, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Spotify.

Jeff Glatstein, Senior Manager for Cyberinfrastructure at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), shares his experience using Apache Cassandra™ and the DataStax Luna program in managing data from over 800 instruments across the oceans. WHOI's system uses Cassandra to store approximately 90 terabytes of data, which is freely available online. Glatstein discusses how working with Luna has improved their understanding and performance of Cassandra, addressing issues such as nodes dropping, slow garbage cleanup, and configuration inconsistencies across servers. He also highlights the importance of being open to feedback and listening in navigating today's software landscape. WHOI plans to continue using Cassandra and exploring cloud computing solutions for the future.

Jeff Glatstein, Senior Manager for Cyberinfrastructure at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), spoke about his experience using Apache Cassandra and the DataStax Luna program in managing data from over 800 instruments across the oceans. WHOI's system uses Cassandra to store approximately 90 terabytes of data, which is freely available online. Glatstein initially found Cassandra challenging due to a lack of familiar tools and expertise but discovered Luna, which provided valuable insights into their system's performance and architecture. Since working with Luna, WHOI has seen improvements in node management, garbage cleanup, and overall system health. The organization plans to continue using Cassandra as they move their data center and explore cloud computing solutions. Glatstein emphasizes the importance of being open, listening, and seeking expert support when navigating today's software landscape.

Dr. Artem Chebotko, an expert on Cassandra data models, has created a new course called "Data Modeling By Example." This course provides examples of designing and using data models in various application domains. The upcoming Advanced Data Modeling Workshop on October 21-22 will feature Artem discussing these examples and answering questions. Interested users can provide feedback or suggest topics at [email protected] or @DataStaxDevs.

Dr. Artem Chebotko, a resident expert, has created a new course called "Data Modeling By Example" to provide example Cassandra data models for various application domains. The course aims to guide users through the design and use of data models in different domains. An Advanced Data Modeling Workshop will be held on October 21-22, where Artem will join the Developer Advocate team to discuss these examples and answer questions. Users are encouraged to share their interests for future topics at [email protected] or @DataStaxDevs.

This week, DataStax announced that its cloud-based database service, Astra, is now available on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. New features include Storage-Attached Indexing (SAI), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Peering, and support for multi-region databases. VPC Peering enables users to connect their virtual private cloud (VPC) environment where they run their code, to the Astra environment where they store their data over a completely private network connection that is not accessible to unauthorized parties. This feature significantly reduces the potential attack surface of the connection between Astra and applications that rely on it. For more information about DataStax Astra's architecture and security features, check out this whitepaper.

This week, DataStax Astra announced its availability on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure. New features such as Storage-Attached Indexing (SAI), Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Peering, and support for multi-region databases have also been launched. VPC Peering allows users to connect their virtual private cloud (VPC) environment where they run their code, to the Astra environment where they store their data over a completely private network connection that isn't accessible to unauthorized parties. This feature is especially useful for large enterprises with concerns about potential attacks from well-funded entities.

In a recent episode of the Inspired Execution podcast, Nordstrom CTO Edmond Mesrobian discusses the importance of context in delivering an unrivaled customer experience for retailers. He emphasizes that while many computer science problems have already been solved, it's the context and journey to solve them that make a difference. COVID-19 has also played a significant role as a change agent at most organizations, focusing attention on the present moment and creating opportunities for transformation. Mesrobian highlights how infrastructure has evolved, allowing businesses to focus more on customer experiences rather than building infrastructure from scratch. He also touches upon the shift from using KPIs to measure success to leveraging predictions in AI-driven or machine learning-driven enterprises. Contextual experiences are becoming a key differentiator for organizations, and it's crucial to be relevant in the moment by combining current actions with past behavior to predict future actions.

DataStax Astra is now available on Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure, offering a massively scalable Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) for multi-cloud, multi-region applications. New features in Astra include Storage Attached Indexing, VPC Peering, and support for multi-region databases. Storage Attached Indexing (SAI) is a significant improvement to Cassandra data modeling, making it easier for developers to manage indexes without having to create secondary representations of data. This feature has the potential to revolutionize how applications are built on Cassandra, reducing complexity and improving productivity.

DataStax has introduced an improved experience for managing and developing on its Astra database. The update includes a sample app gallery, analytics dashboard, and more ways to connect to the Astra database. Users can now create a free database without requiring a credit card. The new features aim to make starting and using Apache Cassandra® in the cloud easier than ever, especially for new users. Sample apps are available for various technologies such as Spring, Jamstack, and GraphQL with Cassandra. Additionally, Astra offers tools like CQL shell, DataStax Studio, REST API, and GraphQL API to interact with databases. Monitoring database health is also possible through a Grafana dashboard. The free plan includes 5GB of storage, available forever without requiring a credit card.

In this webinar, Andy Goade demonstrates how to use Apache Spark with DataStax Astra and Google Cloud Dataproc for data processing tasks. He covers setting up the environment, creating a connection between Spark and Cassandra, and using storage-attached indexes for efficient querying. The presenters also discuss the benefits of using Astra for managing Cassandra databases and encourage viewers to sign up for a free migration service.

Enterprises are modernizing their business-critical applications to meet customer expectations, leveraging transformational data architectures built on scale-out data and microservices. DataStax Enterprise on Microsoft Azure enables companies to run mission-critical workloads with zero downtime for agility, compliance, data sovereignty, and governance. The integration represents a commitment to customers' freedom of choice in running any workload anywhere at global scale. DataStax Enterprise (DSE), a distributed hybrid cloud-native NoSQL database built on Apache Cassandra™, provides the foundation for personalized, real-time applications at massive scale. With DSE, enterprises can benefit from a seamless data layer that eliminates issues typically associated with deploying applications across multiple on-premises data centers and/or hybrid clouds. The unique masterless architecture simplifies managing and scaling mixed workloads of operational databases and analytics. Exciting times are ahead as DataStax and Azure collaborate to unlock the potential for enterprises to build mission-critical applications at global scale with tools and APIs developers love.

In a recent episode of the Inspired Execution podcast, Jackson CIO and SVP Dev Ganguly discusses how to navigate the rapid pace of tech evolution by focusing on customer experience and leveraging AI and data. He emphasizes that success in this fast-changing environment starts with getting the team excited about change and driving progress. Ganguly also highlights the importance of maintaining a human touch, especially during times of crisis when empathy is crucial. The podcast delves into his journey to his current position, how AI can contribute to financial freedom, and strategies for embracing innovation within teams.

The Spring ecosystem offers the Spring Pet Clinic, which has been reimplemented with a new backend using Spring WebFlux and Cassandra via DataStax Astra. Resources to learn more about this implementation include a demo on YouTube and an upcoming workshop on October 14 & 15. Additionally, notable software releases are mentioned for sharing news or articles related to the topic.

The text discusses the Spring Pet Clinic, a popular example for Java developers using the Spring ecosystem. It introduces a new reactive implementation of the backend that utilizes Spring WebFlux and Cassandra (via DataStax Astra). Resources are provided to learn more about this app, including a demo video on YouTube and an upcoming workshop on October 14 & 15. Notable software releases are also mentioned, with contact information for sharing news items or articles related to the topic.

UK Government's G-Cloud 12 framework has approved DataStax as a supplier for its Support and Services for open-source Apache Cassandra™, also known as DataStax Luna. The G-Cloud initiative helps public sector organizations in the UK find and purchase cloud computing services. With this listing on GOV.UK's Digital Marketplace, UK public sector entities can access government-approved products and services without a lengthy tender process. DataStax Luna is a subscription-based support for open source Apache Cassandra, offering benefits such as direct access to engineers and C* committers who have authored the majority of the Cassandra code.