Alibaba Cloud’s PolarDB Sets New Record with TPC-C Benchmark Performance

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In a stunning feat that has captivated the tech world, Alibaba Cloud’s PolarDB has set a new world record in the TPC-C benchmark, an esteemed standard developed by the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) for evaluating the performance of Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) systems under extreme conditions. The achievement saw PolarDB execute an astounding 2.055 billion transactions per minute (tpmC), effectively surpassing the prior record by an impressive 2.5 times. This not only cements PolarDB’s extraordinary capability but also underscores Alibaba Cloud’s unyielding commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in database technology.

Additionally, cost-effectiveness played a significant role in this milestone; PolarDB managed to reduce the cost per transaction by 40%, bringing it down to approximately CNY 0.8 (USD $0.11). This cost reduction is particularly noteworthy given the scale and complexity of the benchmark. During an 8-hour stress test, PolarDB completed 2.2 trillion data operations with impeccable accuracy and a transaction fluctuation rate of just 0.16%, far below the 2% threshold set by the TPC. Indeed, these numbers aren’t just records; they represent a leap in OLTP performance and cost efficiency, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the future of cloud-native databases.

Unmatched Architecture and Scalability

Central to PolarDB’s exceptional performance is its Limitless Architecture, a pioneering design that includes “three-layer decoupling”. This innovative architecture allows for the independent scaling of computing, memory, and storage resources, thus optimizing elasticity. Each component can be scaled according to the needs of the application without affecting the others, making it an ideal solution for business-critical applications that demand rapid performance and high concurrency. This decoupling approach not only enhances elasticity but also enables more efficient use of resources, significantly improving the overall cost-performance ratio.

The architecture is further enhanced by advanced integration of software and hardware, coupled with remarkable improvements in database kernel optimization. This includes enhancements in transaction processing techniques and improvements in the I/O path, which collectively contribute to the outstanding performance metrics achieved by PolarDB. According to Dr. Feifei Li, President of Database Products Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, PolarDB’s architecture simplifies the complex task of managing cloud-native databases, likening it to “building blocks”. This metaphor captures the essence of PolarDB’s design philosophy: simplicity and modularity that allow for easy scaling and adaptability.

Global Impact and Industry Leadership

The ramifications of PolarDB’s achievement extend far beyond mere numbers, highlighting its pivotal role in the digital transformation of enterprises around the world. PolarDB is currently supporting the digital initiatives of over 10,000 enterprises globally, including notable names like TNG eWallet in Malaysia, Television Broadcasts Limited in Hong Kong, enish, Inc. in Japan, and DOKU in Indonesia. These enterprises rely on PolarDB for its exceptional performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness, which are crucial for maintaining competitive advantage in the digital age. The database’s proficiency in handling enormous workloads at reduced costs empowers these businesses to innovate and operate more efficiently.

Alibaba Cloud has consistently maintained its leadership in the cloud database management systems (DBMS) market, as evidenced by its five consecutive years of recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant. Their portfolio of cloud-native database products includes PolarDB, the AnalyticDB data warehouse, the multimodal database Lindorm, and the Data Management Service (DMS). This diverse offering ensures that Alibaba Cloud can cater to a wide range of database requirements, from transactional processing to complex analytical tasks. Each of these products is designed with the principles of performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency in mind, making them invaluable tools for businesses undergoing digital transformation.

The Future of Cloud-Native Databases

In an impressive achievement that has caught the tech world’s attention, Alibaba Cloud’s PolarDB has shattered the world record in the TPC-C benchmark. This benchmark is a respected standard established by the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC) to gauge the performance of Online Transaction Processing (OLTP) systems under rigorous conditions. PolarDB managed to execute a staggering 2.055 billion transactions per minute (tpmC), surpassing the previous record by 2.5 times. This not only showcases PolarDB’s remarkable capabilities but also highlights Alibaba Cloud’s relentless dedication to advancing database technology.

Cost-effectiveness was a significant aspect of this milestone; PolarDB reduced the cost per transaction by 40%, lowering it to approximately CNY 0.8 (USD $0.11). This reduction is especially remarkable given the benchmark’s scale and complexity. Over an 8-hour stress test, PolarDB processed 2.2 trillion data operations with perfect accuracy and a transaction fluctuation rate of just 0.16%, well below the TPC’s 2% threshold. These figures represent not just records but a significant leap in OLTP performance and cost efficiency, hinting at the future potential of cloud-native databases.

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