PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) supports on-premises deployment in your environment. This version retains the advanced kernel optimizations from the PolarDB team and delivers high performance at a much lower cost.
Since its launch, PolarDB has supported thousands of customer applications and has demonstrated exceptional performance in real-world business environments. PolarDB delivers an excellent database experience through its high performance, robust stability, and advanced enterprise features. As technology advances and market needs change, PolarDB has introduced a more cost-effective, lightweight version (PolarDB V2.0 lightweight version).
Service architecture
PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) uses the proprietary PolarFlex software stack from PolarDB. This software stack enables one-click deployment for single-node, primary/secondary, and primary/multi-secondary scenarios. It provides basic features such as read/write splitting, high availability (HA), monitoring, and backup. The scope of PolarFlex is shown in the dashed box labeled PolarFlex in the following figure:
PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) includes the following core components:
pdbcli: The client component for installation and deployment. It acts as the management client for the PolarFlex cluster and lets you deploy database clusters, add standby nodes, perform HA switchovers, and upgrade versions.Proxy: The database proxy component. Clients access the database through the proxy, which automatically enables read/write splitting for the database cluster.
Cluster Manager: The HA component for the database cluster. If the primary node fails, the system automatically switches to an available secondary node. Manual switchovers are also supported. The Cluster Manager component uses a three-node deployment and the Raft protocol to ensure its own high availability.
Monitor Agent: The monitoring and data collection component. It collects monitoring data from components such as the database, host, and Proxy. It can integrate with open source monitoring data storage components such as Prometheus, InfluxData, and Zabbix.
Core features
PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) extends community PostgreSQL 14 with enterprise-level features. The following provides a detailed comparison:
Comparison criteria | PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) | PolarDB open source edition | Community PostgreSQL |
Product form | Single-node, primary/secondary | Single-node, shared-storage with decoupled compute and storage | Single-node, supports self-built primary/secondary |
Compatibility | PostgreSQL 14 | PostgreSQL 11/PostgreSQL 15 | All PostgreSQL versions |
Supported | Not supported | Not supported | |
Not supported | Support | Not supported | |
Not supported | Supported | Not supported | |
Supported | Not supported | Not supported | |
Support | Not supported | Not supported | |
Supported | Not supported | Support | |
JSON | Supported, with deep performance optimizations. Queries can be accelerated using columnstore indexes. | Supported | Supported |
Distributed extension | Supported (proprietary) | Supported (community component) | Supported (community component) |
Oracle syntax compatibility | Support | Not supported | Not supported |
Global temporary tables (for Oracle compatibility) | Supported | Not supported | Not supported |
MongoDB syntax compatibility | Support | Not supported | Not supported |
Supported | Not supported | Not supported | |
Supported | Not supported | Not supported | |
Support | Not supported | Not supported | |
Supported | Not supported | Not supported | |
Commit Sequence Number (CSN) | Support | Support | Not supported |
Supported. Provides more kernel views and multi-dimensional analysis of memory and I/O. | Supported | Support | |
Supported. Supports basic full, incremental, and real-time backups. | Supported. Only supports basic full backups. | Supported. Only supports basic full backups. | |
Cost | Free | Free | |
Service | Supports purchasing commercial services for product technical support. | Open source community service, slow response. | No service |
Support for domestic environments | Run | None | None |
Why choose PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex)
PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) is designed for private deployments. It is ideal for businesses that require high resource efficiency and strict cost control. PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) is an ideal choice if your business has the following needs or faces the following challenges:
Cannot use public cloud
If your business cannot deploy on a public cloud due to compliance, security, or other restrictions, PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) offers a flexible private deployment solution.
Strict resource and cost requirements
It provides an efficient PolarDB database service with lower resource consumption and cost.
Adaptation to national ecosystems
PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) is optimized to run on specific national hardware and operating systems.
High performance and compatibility
PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) reduces resource consumption while remaining fully compatible with PostgreSQL. It also inherits the core advantages of PolarDB.
How to use PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex)
Obtain PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex)
Free trial: A 30-day free trial of the PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) Single Node Edition is available.
Purchase commercial services: You can purchase services on the purchase page for the lightweight version to use all features of PolarDB for PostgreSQL (PolarFlex) and receive online technical support.