Building smart data platforms with AI to drive business innovation

Imagine a world where databases not only store vast amounts of data but autonomously optimize themselves, predict future trends, and seamlessly integrate with AI. In this Data (R)evolution episode, we share a fascinating conversation with Soumya Bijjal, the VP of Product at Aiven, and John Joseph Kennedy, the Head of Databases at Aiven, about the future of AI, databases, and data platforms. They dissect the current AI landscape, the challenges companies face, and the transformative potential of integrating AI with data systems.

Key takeaways:

  1. Focus on advanced data processing and streaming technologies like Apache Kafka® to maintain data accuracy and timeliness.
  2. Tools like Aiven AI Database Optimizer provide automated recommendations for optimizing queries and indexes, which helps in accelerating performance and reducing cloud costs without needing extensive DBA expertise.
  3. Companies should experiment with new technologies to stay ahead while relying on tried-and-tested solutions for critical production workloads.

Podcast series: Data (R)Evolution

Topics around data, innovation and economics in a rapidly-changing cloud world.

Data drives innovation and revolutionizes the tech world. Data (R)evolution, powered by Aiven, explores the intersections of data, AI, innovation, and economics through the ever-evolving landscape of cloud technology. Led by hosts Francesco Tisiot and Janki Patel Westenberg, navigate this digital revolution in conversation with experts at the forefront of change.

Hosts

Francesco Tisiot

Field CTO & Head of DevEx, Aiven

Francesco comes from Verona, Italy and works as a Field CTO & AI Lead at Aiven. With his many years of experience as a data engineer, he has stories to tell and advice for data-wranglers everywhere. Francesco loves sharing knowledge with others as a speaker and writer, and is on a mission to defend the world from bad Italian food!

Janki Patel Westenberg

AI, Platform, Open Source Product Marketing Leader, Aiven

Over the last 10 years, Janki has successfully led technical partnerships collaborating with Google Cloud and AWS to build database and caching solutions for gaming and media. Additionally, she has spearheaded GTM strategy partnered with AWS' product leadership for 19 AWS Analytics and Database services for multiple industries. Janki also is a proud alumna from University of Wisconsin-Madison (Go Badgers!)...fun fact, she studied Genetics and did research before moving to the cloud industry!

Guests

Soumya Bijjal

SVP, Product, Aiven

Soumya is a seasoned product leader with a diverse background spanning telco, banking, security, and cloud infrastructure. She is passionate about building organizations that leverage technology to build innovative solutions that empower businesses and drive growth. She thrives in fast-paced environments, always seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.

John Joseph Kennedy

Head of Databases, Product, Aiven

John has been in the data trenches for years since departing from Rocket Science as a degree, tackling everything from teleco networks to massive enterprise platforms. That hands-on experience gives him deep insight into customer pain points, guiding his product vision. He thrives on building great teams and his Irish heritage might have something to do with his love of direct customer.