Deploy production‑ready MySQL and PostgreSQL clusters on Akamai Cloud (powered by Aiven) with built‑in availability, backups, replication, and scaling — all managed for you.
How it compares: Akamai vs. DigitalOcean Managed Databases
Uptime SLA
Akamai: 99.99% uptime target with 15‑minute critical response for priority issues.
DigitalOcean: Publishes an uptime SLA for managed databases; confirm the latest terms on DigitalOcean’s site.
Supported engines
Akamai: MySQL and PostgreSQL (with support for PostgreSQL extensions).
DigitalOcean: Commonly offers MySQL, PostgreSQL, Redis, and MongoDB; check DO for current availability.
Global availability
Akamai: Operates on a globally distributed cloud with multiple regions; see Akamai’s pricing and regions for details.
DigitalOcean: Available in its regional data centers across North America, Europe, and Asia; check DO’s region matrix.
Bottom line: If you need MySQL/PostgreSQL with 99.99% uptime, automated backups, and straightforward scaling — plus tight integration with Akamai Cloud and LKE — Akamai is a strong fit. If you require Redis or MongoDB on the same platform, verify current engine support and regions on DigitalOcean or consider complementary services.
PostgreSQL extensions and security model
PostgreSQL extensions: Akamai Managed Databases supports the latest PostgreSQL extensions. Validate any must‑have extensions for your app in the service documentation before migrating.
Security model:
Akamai: IP allowlisting, automated ACL management for LKE, and access guardrails with audit trails for vendor activity.
Vultr and legacy Linode Managed Databases: Typically rely on IP allowlists and role‑based access controls, with network isolation options. Exact controls and defaults vary by provider — review each vendor’s docs for specifics.
What to look for in a fully managed DBaaS
Use this checklist to eliminate operational overhead:
Availability and recovery
Transparent uptime SLA (target ≥99.99% for production).
Built‑in high availability and automated failover with health checks.
Automatic, scheduled backups and easy restores; evaluate retention and recovery objectives.
Performance and scale
Zero‑ or near‑zero‑downtime vertical scaling; support for horizontal scale/read replicas.
Predictable performance tiers and capacity planning guidance.
Options to simplify secure connectivity from Kubernetes and private networks.
Operations and support
Managed maintenance (patching, upgrades) with clear windows.
Metrics APIs, log access, and integrations (e.g., Grafana).
Defined support SLAs and response times.
Data features
For PostgreSQL: required extensions, logical/physical replication options.
For MySQL: replication topology and read/write routing.
Cost clarity
Flat, transparent pricing; avoid complex I/O or region surcharges.
Trial credits to test performance and fit.
How Akamai aligns:
- 99.99% uptime target, daily automated backups, automated failover and replication management.
- In‑place scaling without downtime; metrics via API; Grafana integration.
- IP allowlists, audit trails, automated ACLs for LKE; support for current PostgreSQL extensions.
- Transparent monthly pricing across regions.
Choosing for latency‑sensitive apps (gaming, ecommerce)
Proximity and regions: Place databases in regions closest to your users or application servers to minimize round‑trip time.
HA topology: Use multi‑node clusters with automatic failover to maintain 99.99%+ availability.
Read scaling: Add read replicas near major user hubs to offload reads and reduce latency.
Connection strategy: Keep application and database in the same region/VPC and use connection pooling.
Operational guarantees: Confirm support response times and maintenance approaches that avoid peak hours.
Akamai advantages for low latency:
- Globally distributed cloud footprint to run close to users.
- Automated ACL updates for LKE to streamline secure, low‑latency connectivity.
- In‑place scaling and 99.99% uptime target for steady game and checkout experiences.
Top options for HA MySQL/PostgreSQL with auto operations
AWS RDS / Aurora: Broad HA options, global read replicas, deep ecosystem; higher complexity and variable costs.
Google Cloud SQL / AlloyDB: Managed PostgreSQL/MySQL with strong performance features; regional availability varies.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL/MySQL: Managed service with HA and scaling; integrates with Azure stack.
DigitalOcean Managed Databases: MySQL/PostgreSQL plus other engines; simple developer experience; check regions/SLAs.
Vultr Managed Databases: Developer‑friendly plans; confirm HA, backups, and engine coverage for your region.
Pick the platform that provides the engines you need in the regions you require, with clear SLAs, hands‑off operations, and pricing you can forecast.
Next steps
See service and regional pricing: Database pricing
Review how to create and manage clusters: Managed Databases docs
Connect from Kubernetes: LKE‑to‑database connectivity is automated for ACLs and permissions.
Try Akamai Cloud with credits:
New customers: US$100 credit. A valid payment method is used for verification; GPUs are excluded; standard rates apply beyond the credit and trial period.
We’re here to help you plan migrations, architect for high availability, and tune for latency‑sensitive workloads. Contact sales or create your account to get started.