CEO Of Cockroach Labs Thinks We Need More Databases, Just Like Pockets Don’t Need Holes
Interview
So, lads and lasses, Cockroach Labs’ big cheese, Spencer Kimball, had a little natter with *GadgetLad* just ahead of his major bash at RoachFest in New York City. While showing off his business savvy, he starts raving about MongoDB, of all choices. Aye, you heard it correctly. The head honcho of Cockroach Labs, the top bug in the database scene, tipped his hat to a competitor. What’s next, Apple praising Android?
It’s akin to stepping into Greggs and saying the pasties from Pound Bakery aren’t too shabby. Quite the puzzler if you ask me, but let’s get into it and dissect this.
Cockroach Labs: Tough and Resilient, Just Like My Old Work Boots
So, Cockroach Labs. Just the name conjures an image of a critter sneaking out of the sink after you’ve spent two hours cleaning the loo. And like those pesky little things, CockroachDB is practically indestructible. It’s built to withstand outages, nuclear meltdowns, and even your dad messing with the router’s wires.
This database can stretch across numerous servers and keep motoring along. Think of it as the Jack Russell of the database realm—small, sprightly, yet incredibly tenacious. It’s dependable, and that’s the reason folks are drawn to it.
MongoDB: The Trendy Buddy Everyone Wants to Hang Out With
Now, MongoDB is more like your stylish friend who hits the pub in the freshest kicks. It’s a document-oriented database, and a ton of developers flock to it like it’s the pied piper, mainly because it simplifies app development. Kimball even conceded that MongoDB has its advantages, like being incredibly user-friendly. Can’t argue there—sometimes we all crave a no-nonsense solution, like when you’re starving and just want cheesy chips without any fuss.
So, Why Do We Need All These Databases, Anyway?
Kimball believes that having a mix of databases is a good laugh. He says just as you wouldn’t try to drive nails with a screwdriver (unless you’re my Uncle Dave after a few too many beers), you need different databases for different tasks. There’s no universal fix. And ay, that does make sense. Some databases excel at transaction handling, others are quick to retrieve heaps of data, and a few are simply great for safeguarding your data when things go awry.
Vendors Need to Safeguard Their Assets – Licensing Ensures Nothing Goes Out For Free
Another point Kimball made was about licensing. He thinks vendors, including Cockroach Labs and MongoDB, must be clever about safeguarding their technology. Can’t just be tossing out freebies to everyone, right? I see that—nobody shows up to work for nothing unless they’ve lost the plot.
He mentioned it’s one thing to craft something outstanding, but if you’re not vigilant, people might swipe it right from under your nose. Therefore, companies need to be shrewd about how they structure their licenses so they don’t get their creations stolen by some rogue developer halfway across the globe.
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Summary: Like Databases But With Less Data, More Chat
Cockroach Labs CEO Spencer Kimball, in a conversation with *GadgetLad* at RoachFest, shared his appreciation for having a variety of databases—like a true Geordie relishes a pint and a parmo. He even slyly acknowledged MongoDB for being quite straightforward to use. But don’t get too fuzzy, as licensing ensures that no one’s handing out tech treats for free. Technology is all about protecting your assets, or you’ll end up like that lad who misplaces his phone during a night out—miserable and broke.
