PolarDB is a next-generation cloud-native database service developed by Alibaba Cloud. It uses a compute-storage separated architecture and seamlessly integrates software and hardware to provide a highly efficient and reliable database solution. PolarDB provides features such as second-level elasticity, exceptional performance, massive storage capacity, and strong security and reliability. PolarDB for PostgreSQL Enterprise Edition is fully compatible with multiple native PostgreSQL versions, including PostgreSQL 11, 14, 15, and 16. Designed based on the cloud-native architectural philosophy, PolarDB combines the stability, reliability, high performance, and scalability of commercial databases with the simplicity, openness, and rapid iteration of open source cloud databases.
PolarDB for PostgreSQL Enterprise Edition uses a compute-storage separated architecture. All compute nodes share a unified storage layer. The system provides minute-level resource scaling, second-level fault recovery, global data consistency, and free data backup and disaster recovery features.
Terms
Region
The geographical area where a PolarDB cluster is deployed.
Zone
A physically separate area within the region of a PolarDB cluster. Each zone has independent power and networking infrastructure. Instances in the same zone have lower network latency than those in different zones. For more information, see Alibaba Cloud's Global Infrastructure.
Cluster
A cluster consists of one primary node and multiple read-only nodes. A PolarDB cluster supports cross-zone deployments but cannot span multiple regions.
Each cluster is identified by a unique cluster ID, which starts with the prefix
pc.
Node
A PolarDB cluster consists of multiple physical nodes, which are categorized into the primary node and read-only nodes. All nodes of the same type have the same functionality and specifications.
Each node is identified by a unique node ID, which starts with the prefix
pi.
Primary node
The primary node of a PolarDB cluster, also called the read-write node. A cluster has only one primary node.
Read-only node
The read-only node of a PolarDB cluster. An Enterprise Edition cluster can have up to 15 read-only nodes, and a Standard Edition cluster can have up to 7 read-only nodes.
Console
Alibaba Cloud provides a user-friendly web console that allows you to manage various Alibaba Cloud products and services, including PolarDB clusters. For example, you can create, connect to, and configure PolarDB clusters.
To log on to the PolarDB console, click PolarDB console.