Rackspace Puts Relational Database In The Cloud

Rackspace announced a partnership with FathomDB, which combines the cloud computing infrastructure services of the former with the relational database as a service (DaaS) of the later, to offer customers a simpler and more robust way of managing MySQL databases in the cloud. Previously only available through Amazon, FathomDB handles backups, maintenance and monitoring of MySQL databases. And, while Amazon launched their own relational database as a service earlier in the month, there are some interesting differentiators between the two offerings. First, FathomDB utilizes the open, standards-based Rackspace Cloud API, which helps ensure interoperability. Secondly, FathomDB has a graphical user interface, which makes it easier for users to get visibility into their database schema and data. With Microsoft also offering their own cloud computing database as a service through Windows Azure, it will be interesting to see who is able to attract a bigger following.