In the world of software development, caching is a crucial yet complex component. What happens when one of the most popular caching systems, Redis, changes its license, sending shockwaves through the community? And how does a company pivot to not one but two solutions to ensure high-performance data management?
Today's discussion dives deep into one of the most critical and often-overlooked components of the software industry—caching. Our hosts sit down with Josep Prat, the Director of the Open Source Program Office at Aiven, and John Kennedy, the Head of Databases, to explore the complexities of caching, the recent Redis license change, and their pioneering work with Dragonfly and the Valkey project.

Key Takeaways:
1). Caching must be planned early in infrastructure design to avoid costly performance bottlenecks
2). Redis' license change has pushed companies like Aiven to explore alternatives, such as the Valkey fork
3). Aiven's collaboration with Dragonfly offers high-scale, enterprise-grade caching solutions compatible with Redis, enabling seamless user migration

Resources:

• Watch the full interview on our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Aiven_io
• Check out our website for more information: https://aiven.io/
• Check out Aiven AI Database Optimizer
• Want to be on our mailing list? Sign up here: https://aiven.io/resources
• Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aiven/
• Sign up for our newsletter for more insights on this topic: https://aiven.io/newsletter
• Connect with Josep on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlprat/
• Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kennedy-5216b112/

Timestamps:
[01:00] Caching is a complex problem in IT
[04:38] Redis license changed, causing repercussions for users
[07:40] Subset of users not allowed to use Redis, seeking Valkey alternative under Linux Foundation
[12:00] Dragonfly accelerates evolving projects and offers a smooth transition
[14:31] Josep discusses Valkey Fork, Linux Foundation, Redis, and Dragonfly