MySQL Conference

There are several problems in current database systems, primarily analytics, data capture, and storage. These are not future problems, argues Cloudera CEO Mike Olson, but current struggles within both MySQL and the 'NoSQL' data systems that must be overcome before the industry can have clearly superior software. Mike Olson presents these problems within the context of MySQL's development and the industry's opportunities in the future market.

How do enterprise-level MySQL installations avoid spikes, pile-ups, and freeze-ups during peak operations? Crash-proof solutions are not beyond the capabilities of open-source database software, Baron Schwartz explains. He outlines Percona's enhancements to MySQL and InnoDB. They include XtraDB, a high-performance storage engine based on InnoDB, and Xtrabackup, a hot backup solution. Schwartz explains why each feature is needed to keep a scalable high-performance site up and running at peak loads.

Metrics have to be state of the art to measure performance on SSDs, solid state drives. In this short yet technical talk, Dr. Bradley Kuszmaul from Tokutech and MIT discusses his own experiences. Comparing InnoDB to his own team's TokuDB he discusses why the fractal based model is faster at dealing with insertions. Going through the thought process involved in speeding up database design, Dr. Kuszmaul discusses using simplified models for speeding up the bandwidth of read/write processes.

Computer software and hardware have greatly advanced over the last 30 years, but database architectures haven't changed in response. Slava Akhmechet and Michael Glukhovsky of RethinkDB are creating a whole new style of database to take advantage of new developments like fast solid state hard drives and new research on file systems.

MySQL has had a turbulent couple of years after it was acquired by Sun and Sun was acquired by Oracle. Kaj Arno, VP of Community Relations at MySQL reviews what has changed so far and what the future holds as MySQL integrates into Oracle.

Describing the codes used throughout MySQL and explaining their limitations, Sheeri K. Cabral -- founder of the MySQL user group in Boston, Massachusetts -- discusses the use of time zones by that data system. The majority of her lecture is technical, but her concepts are easy to follow and she offers a variety of methods to recording precise times and mending the system's failure to hold time zones.

Beginning with a bit of history, Michael Widenius, co-founder and CTO of MySQL AB, gives a lecture on MySQL, MariaDB, and the purpose of his company. The topics branch to include developments and improvements in the MariaDB, as well as the general direction of the company.

Brian Aker, an open-source hacker and former Director of Architecture at MySQL AB, gives an analysis of No-SQL -- a class of non-relational data stores. Adding humor and a blunt comparison of the pros and cons of these data stores, he explains the basics of the No-SQL system and its applications.

Mark Callaghan of Facebook describes some of the uses Facebook makes of MySQL and the challenges Facebook's database team has in their large-scale deployment of MySQL. Facebook has thousands of MySQL database servers, which gives them unique insights and challenges.

Creating and growing a community is an art, but there are known best practices. Jono Bacon, Community Manager for Ubuntu, lists some of the best ways to build a community, the mechanics of making a community work, and the difference between an evangelist and a community manager.