YugabyteDB 2.17 introduces several major innovations to support enterprise-grade distributed SQL database applications, including enhanced protection for critical data through xCluster replication, 5x faster backup and restore, and incremental backups that protect critical data 20x more frequently. The new release also enhances YugabyteDB Managed with simplified operations and advanced automation, meeting dynamic compliance requirements, improving customer experience, and delivering cloud native Infrastructure-as-Code via enhanced Terraform provider. Additionally, YugabyteDB 2.17 accelerates developer productivity with expanded security choices, streamlined management and planning through enhanced observability, automated maintenance tasks, and simplified load balancing.