By Bitwave 
Automating Database Performance Optimization with AI
Databases are the backbone of modern applications, powering the apps that people use every day for work and play. However, building, configuring, and maintaining databases can be a daunting task, especially as their usage continues to grow. According to a recent Redgate survey, 70% of companies now use more than one database in their stack, including on-premises and cloud databases. Despite the importance of databases, much of the work remains manual, with only 51% saying that they’re automating parts of their database deployment process.
The Problem with Manual Database Optimization
In an email interview with TechCrunch, Andy Pavlo, co-founder of OtterTune, highlighted the challenges associated with manual database optimization. "Knob tuning is important and it makes a big difference for many customers, but it’s only one aspect of the lifecycle of a database," he said. "In the same way that people turn to Amazon to manage the physical hardware beneath their databases, OtterTune will provide automated functionalities for within the database."
Introducing OtterTune
OtterTune is an AI-powered database optimization platform designed to automate the laborious and outdated process of database management. The company’s founders conducted research at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on machine learning algorithms that can observe workload and behavior patterns in databases, ensuring that new databases run with proper configuration, replication schemes, indexes, and query plans.
Funding Round and Future Plans
OtterTune has raised $12 million in Series A funding from Accel, Intel Capital, and Race Capital. The capital will be used to kickstart the development of expanded health checks, including database table-level health checks. Additionally, it’ll be put toward recruitment and hiring efforts, increasing the size of the company’s team from 15 to 30 by 2023.
Founder’s Vision for OtterTune
When asked about his vision for OtterTune, Pavlo said: "Efficient database management is critical to tech-enabled businesses’ successes. OtterTune is working to revolutionize the process by leveraging machine learning to automate an otherwise laborious, outdated operation." He emphasized that the company’s mission is backed by research conducted at CMU and proven ability to help customers drive performance, lower cost, and ensure reliability of their databases.
Industry Reaction
Nick Washburn, senior managing director at Intel Capital, commented on OtterTune’s innovative approach: "The OtterTune founders’ visionary mission is backed by the research they conducted at CMU and proven ability to help customers drive performance, lower cost, and ultimately ensure reliability of their databases."
Conclusion
OtterTune’s AI-powered database optimization platform has significant potential to revolutionize the way companies manage their databases. With $12 million in Series A funding, the company is well-positioned to expand its offerings and make a lasting impact on the industry.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Problem with Manual Database Optimization
- Introducing OtterTune
- Funding Round and Future Plans
- Founder’s Vision for OtterTune
- Industry Reaction
Related Topics
- Accel
- AI
- Cloud Computing
- Database Management
- Developers
- Enterprise
- Intel Capital
- Machine Learning
- OtterTune
- Race Capital
- Startups
- Storage