Database Reference
In-Depth Information
Netezza's Design Principles
Netezza's approach to data analysis is patented and proven. Its goal has
always been to minimize data movement, while processing it at “physics
speed,” in parallel, and on a massive scale—all delivered within an easy-to-
use appliance at a low cost. The Netezza appliance has undergone multiple
iterations since its inception (it's latest refresh includes a name change to the
IBM PureData System for Analytics), but its architecture has always been
based on a core set of design principles. These design principles have been a
hallmark of Netezza's price-performance leadership in the industry, and
we'll cover them in this section.
Appliance Simplicity: Minimize the Human Effort
Enterprises are spending more and more money to pay people to manage
their systems. Now consider this observation in an environment where
cheaper labor is presumably available through a globally distributed deliv-
ery model, and you can see that the required amount of human effort is a
problem.
Appliances are dedicated devices that are optimized for a very specific
purpose. They are self-contained and ready to go. They are very fast to install
and easy to operate. They have standard interfaces that enable other systems
to interoperate with them. All of these characteristics make appliances a very
elegant vehicle for delivering IT solutions. In certain areas, such as network
and storage solutions, appliances are the preferred means for delivering spe-
cific capabilities.
Netezza pioneered the concept of appliances in the data warehousing and
analytics realm. All of its technologies are delivered in an appliance form,
shielding end users from the underlying complexity of the platform. Simplic-
ity rules whenever there is a design tradeoff with any other aspect of the
appliance. Unlike other solutions, the appliance just runs, handling demand-
ing queries and mixed workloads at blistering speeds. Even normally time-
consuming tasks, such as installation, upgrade, and ensuring high-availability
and business continuity, are vastly simplified, saving precious time and
resources, and mitigates operational risk.
