AWS: DuckDB will provide 'connective tissue' across the data estate

AWS has acquired DuckLabs, the creators of the open-source OLAP system DuckDB. AWS VP and Distinguished Engineer Andy Warfield explained that the acquisition aligns with the company's vision for the future of application building, data, and analytics. By treating DuckDB as a "connective tissue layer" across various data processing tools, AWS aims to facilitate new ways for developers and data engineers to connect data sources and processing engines.

The database, written in C++, can be embedded within a host application, eliminating the need for separate DBMS server software. DuckDB's SQL verbs, such as "attach" and "connect," enable it to work with remote SQL endpoints, including AWS's Redshift and RDS. Warfield stated that DuckDB can be utilized as an SDK for data, allowing customers to build and run queries locally with smaller datasets before transitioning to larger datasets or centralized query capabilities.

The open-source database will remain under the MIT License, governed by the DuckDB Foundation, an independent non-profit organization. Despite concerns from some industry experts about AWS's involvement, AWS's funding is expected to help DuckDB scale development efforts and keep pace with modern DBMS development practices.