Greenplum Streaming Server 2.0: A Step Toward Distributed Data Ingestion

The Greenplum Streaming Server (GPSS) streamlines Greenplum customers’ extract, transform, load (ETL) processes into the database. With the release of GPSS 2.0, this tool takes a significant step forward by introducing distributed service capabilities through an etcd cluster and a GPSS cluster. This enhancement not only bolsters high availability but also redefines how data streaming can be managed at scale.?

Distributed Service with etcd and GPSS Clusters

The introduction of distributed service support via an etcd cluster is a standout feature. By integrating with etcd, GPSS 2.0 ensures that its instances can coordinate seamlessly, maintaining consistency and resilience even in the face of hardware failures or network disruptions.? In this distributed mode, GPSS operates as a cluster of interconnected instances rather than a single, standalone server. This GPSS cluster leverages etcd to synchronize state and manage tasks across multiple nodes. The result? A system where no single point of failure can halt operations. Whether you’re ingesting streaming data from Kafka, RabbitMQ, or files, GPSS 2.0 ensures that every instance is ready to pick up the slack if another goes down, providing true high availability across the board.

High Availability: A Core Promise

GPSS 2.0 delivers on this promise with practical, robust implementation. In earlier versions, a single GPSS instance handled client requests, which, while effective, posed risks if that instance failed. Now, with the distributed architecture, all GPSS instances operate simultaneously, sharing the load and maintaining operational continuity. This HA capability is critical for businesses that rely on real-time data feeds—think financial transactions, IoT sensor data, or e-commerce order processing—where even a moment of downtime can lead to significant losses.

The use of an etcd cluster underpins this HA model by providing a reliable mechanism for leader election, state management, and failover coordination. If one GPSS node encounters an issue, the cluster quickly reassigns its responsibilities, ensuring uninterrupted data flow into Greenplum tables.

New Cluster Config Section

To support this distributed mode, GPSS 2.0 introduces a dedicated cluster config section in its configuration file. This JSON-based addition allows administrators to define the parameters of the GPSS cluster, such as the etcd endpoints, cluster node identities, and synchronization settings. For example, you might specify the etcd host addresses and ports, enabling GPSS instances to locate and communicate with the cluster. This configuration flexibility simplifies deployment and management, making it easier to scale GPSS alongside growing data needs.

Why It Matters

GPSS 2.0’s distributed service and cluster support mark a robust advancement for Greenplum users. By ensuring high availability and scalability, it meets the demands of today’s data-driven world, positioning GPSS as a vital tool for enterprise-grade streaming solutions. Whether you’re building a data warehouse or powering real-time analytics, GPSS 2.0 meets the need.