What is PolarDB for PostgreSQL Distributed Edition?
PolarDB for PostgreSQL Distributed Edition is a distributed database built on PolarDB for PostgreSQL. It scales horizontally to handle sub-petabyte data volumes, ensures consistency in distributed transactions, and preserves all the capabilities of the centralized edition—making it the right choice when your data or write throughput exceeds what a single node can handle.
How it works
The cluster uses a two-layer architecture with compute nodes (CNs) and data nodes (DNs):
| Layer | Component | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Compute node (CN) | Manages cluster metadata and generates distributed query plans |
| 2 | Data node (DN) | Stores actual data shards |
Each CN and DN internally uses compute-storage separation, the same design as PolarDB for PostgreSQL. Every node independently supports single-writer, multiple-reader mode, database proxy, read-only nodes, and failover mechanisms—while also participating in the distributed cluster.
Key capabilities
Horizontal scaling with manual sharding — Add CNs or DNs to handle data volumes below petabytes (PB).
Distributed transaction consistency — Ensures consistency in distributed transactions across all nodes.
Dual-zone deployment — The active cluster runs in the primary zone. If the primary zone fails, the hot standby cluster in the secondary zone seamlessly takes over to ensure uninterrupted service.
Zero-downtime operations — Maintenance, upgrades, and configuration changes run 24/7 without service interruption. Heterogeneous CNs and DNs can be added at any time.
Centralized management — Manage the entire distributed cluster—including cross-node Operations and Maintenance (O&M)—from a single console interface.
Use cases
PolarDB for PostgreSQL Distributed Edition is designed for scenarios where data volume or write throughput exceeds what a single centralized database can handle. Typical use cases include:
SaaS multi-tenancy — Isolate tenant data across shards while keeping a unified management view.
Smart driving training — Process continuously growing datasets generated by training pipelines.
Blockchain — Handle high write volumes and large data accumulation from on-chain transactions.
If your data volume fits within a single PolarDB for PostgreSQL node, the centralized edition is the simpler choice.
Benefits
Integration of centralized and distributed architectures
Each CN and DN can operate independently as a centralized cluster or as part of the distributed cluster. This lets you retain centralized cluster advantages—transparent compression, plug-in support, and single-writer, multiple-reader scalability—without giving them up when you scale out.
Simplified management
A unified distributed view lets you perform all cross-node O&M from one interface, removing the need to manage each node separately.
Billing
Fees for a PolarDB for PostgreSQL Distributed Edition cluster include:
Computing resource fees
Storage usage fees
SQL Explorer fees (optional)
For details, see Distributed Edition billing.
Get started
Purchase a cluster: Purchase a Distributed Edition cluster.
Manage your cluster using any of the following interfaces. All interfaces support the same set of operations—creating clusters, databases, and accounts.
| Interface | Description |
|---|---|
| Console | Web-based GUI |
| CLI | Alibaba Cloud CLI |
| SDK | Programmatic access |
| API | Direct API calls |
Connect to your cluster after it is created:
DMS (Data Management) — Connect and develop databases directly in the browser. See Use DMS to connect to a cluster.
Client — Connect using common database clients, such as pgAdmin.