PostgreSQL is the first database supported by DigitalOcean’s managed database service. The goal of the new service is to enable cloud-based developers to spend more time at their craft, DigitalOcean Senior Vice President of Product Shiven Ramji told SDxCentral.

“Simply put, Managed Databases allow developers the ability to focus on creating modern apps, rather than being bogged down with the administrative tasks associated with deployments,” Ramji wrote in an email. “Most developers just want to get the database connection url so that they can build their application and business logic and not have to worry about performing backups, upgrading or patching their database, monitoring, replication, high availability, and point-in-time recovery.”

The Managed Database service offers one-button launch and handles maintenance and updates. Users have a single view of the database through an API, third-party Terraform provider, or user interface.

Platform features include automated backup and restoration to any point during the previous week with a failure automatically shifting data handling to standby nodes. Security is provided by full encryption at rest and in motion via Secure Socket Layer. Upgrades and patches are automated. Enterprise-class hardware combined with local SSD storage provides horizontal scaling and enables cluster monitoring via minute-by-minute performance graphs.

PostgreSQL will be followed by MySQL and Redis during the second and third quarters of the year, Ramji said. More database will come during the fourth quarter. Customer feedback will determine which are added.

Previously, developers hosted their own databases on DigitalOcean cloud servers, which are called Droplets. The developer or their organization were responsible for handle management and operations. Now PostgreSQL users — and soon others — will offload those responsibilities. “With our managed service, they no longer have to worry about these operational tasks and focus on their business and application logic,” he said.