Heimdall Database Proxy

What Heimdall Database Proxy is

Heimdall Database Proxy is a data access layer between an application and its database. It routes, caches, and secures SQL queries, sending reads to replicas and writes to primary databases. Replication-lag detection helps support consistency. Frequently repeated queries can be cached with automatic expiry and invalidation rules to reduce database load and latency.

The proxy provides live SQL query visibility, highlights bottlenecks, and offers auto-tuning recommendations. Its connection pooling can reduce front-side to back-side connections by up to a 1000:1 ratio. It can run as a transparent sidecar on-premise or in the cloud, with Linux and self-hosted deployment listed. Supported databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Amazon RDS, Oracle, SQL Server, MariaDB, DB2, Greenplum, and Redshift. Integrations include AWS, Azure, Oracle, Google Cloud, Redis, Google Cloud SQL, AlloyDB, and AWS RDS and Aurora. Active Directory integration supports authentication and authorization. Enterprise Plus includes data masking, GDPR auditing, and honey-tokens. The Greenplum Community Edition is free for Greenplum use and includes connection pooling, LDAP group and role synchronization for one LDAP server, and SQL performance analytics.

Who it suits

Heimdall Database Proxy suits teams that need a layer for SQL routing, caching, and connection pooling between applications and databases. It can also fit organizations seeking query visibility or a self-hosted, on-premise, or cloud deployment.

Limits

The free Greenplum Community Edition is for Greenplum use and includes LDAP group and role synchronization for up to one LDAP server. Technical support requires upgrading that edition to Enterprise. The Database Proxy and Central Console trial listed on AWS Marketplace lasts 30 days.

Getting started

1. Visit https://www.heimdalldata.com/overview/.
2. Choose a deployment approach: the proxy can run on-premise or in the cloud, including as a transparent sidecar.
3. For a Linux or Docker installation, use the download page's installation instructions.
4. For Unix, OSX, Solaris, or BSD, use the vendor-neutral package, which requires Java 8 or later.
5. If using Greenplum, consider the free Greenplum Community Edition.
6. Use the AWS Marketplace listing to access the stated free 30-day trial of the Database Proxy and Central Console.

Verdict

Consider Heimdall Database Proxy if you need SQL query routing and caching, read/write separation, or live query visibility. Greenplum users can start with its free Community Edition. The Enterprise editions are the route for features such as distributed auto-scaling proxies, enterprise-level support, or Enterprise Plus SQL security.