The 7 Year Itch: How Aerospike decided to transform the database status-quo (Part 1 of 2)

Aerospike, a real-time operational DBMS, has been widely used since 2010 for handling critical applications in various sectors such as AdTech, Online Payments, Stock Brokerage Firms, and Telco. The system initially prioritized availability over consistency during network partitioning events (e.g., split-brain) and worked in AP mode per the CAP theorem. However, with enterprises undergoing digital transformation, Aerospike is now being considered for high-performance systems of engagement as well as strongly consistent systems of record. To handle such situations, Aerospike has added a new mode of operation that prioritizes consistency over availability (i.e., the system works in CP mode per the CAP theorem), while still delivering high performance. This transformation is expected to change the database status quo and provide significant correctness guarantees and adequate high performance for meaningful customer engagement in real time, driving digital transformation necessary for long-term success.