The delivery of a fantastic user experience in today's mobile app scene depends much on speed and efficiency. Because of sluggish access times and reliance on dependable internet connections, however, traditional cloud-based and networked database systems sometimes impede performance. Then along came Intel® Liftoff member ElectricSQL, which is changing the way mobile apps are built. ElectricSQL is reinventing how apps manage data—by storing it locally, not in the cloud.
About ElectricSQL
ElectricSQL is a local-first software platform. It is used to build super-fast, collaborative,
offline-capable apps directly on open source object-relational database system
PostgreSQL. These apps interact directly with a local, embedded database without the need to access remote datasystems.
The Challenge
Applications and mobile apps usually access the required data via a database, which is typically not located on the end device itself, but either on a network server or in the cloud. Both approaches require two things: sufficient computing power and a reliable connection to the network or the internet. This is the moment when the user wishes the needed data was stored in a locally available database. Local-first apps/applications in combination with the PostgreSQL database system fulfills precisely this wish.
The Solution
While cloud-first systems dominate the current app development landscape, ElectricSQL provides a distinct alternative. Traditional cloud-based apps rely on a backend server to manage and sync data across the network, often requiring state transfer protocols like REST, GraphQL, or LiveView. However, these systems demand constant internet connectivity to read and write data, and their cloud-centric design contributes to higher costs.
Reduce the diversity and workload of your backend services by standardising on a simple, scalable replication protocol.
ElectricSQL's local-first approach shifts the focus from backend servers to a sync system. Instead of accessing data from remote servers, ElectricSQL-enabled apps interact directly with a local database. This means apps can function offline, with the ability to read and write data without relying on the internet. The real magic lies in its synchronization system, which ensures that data seamlessly syncs between the local database and the cloud when network access is available.
ElectricSQL addresses the need for dynamic, real-time data synchronization, with the following key features:
- Authorization & Data Access Control: Use row-level DDLX rules to manage data access, assign permissions, and sync data between PostgreSQL in the cloud and SQLite or PGlite in the local app.
- Live Queries for Real-Time Data: Bind real-time data to components with type-safe, reactive queries that run against data synced onto the local database.
- Immediate, Conflict-Free Writes: By taking the network off the interaction path, ElectricSQL allows immediate, replicated, and conflict-free writes to local databases.
These features enable electric apps to function instantaneously, even in offline scenarios, while automatically syncing data across devices and users when connectivity is restored.
The latencies and access times of local-first based applications compared to cloud-based apps.
Transform your traditional cloud-centric data model into a local-first data model that feels like a local data model with the help of ElectricSQL.
Benefits of ElectricSQL’s Local-First Approach
- Instant Responsiveness: Apps feel fast and responsive because data is stored locally, eliminating the need for remote database access.
- Real-Time Data Synchronization: Multi-user apps can keep data in sync across users and devices, ensuring everyone sees the most up-to-date information.
- Offline Capabilities: Apps can function offline, solving connectivity and concurrency issues, and using CRDTs (Conflict-Free Replicated Data Types) for conflict resolution.
- Reduced Cloud Costs: By minimizing reliance on cloud infrastructure, businesses can significantly cut their cloud compute bills.
- Resilience to Network Outages: Local-first apps continue to work even during network or backend downtime, providing a better user experience.
Intel® Liftoff and ElectricSQL’s Role in AI Innovation
ElectricSQL is an exciting participant in the Intel® Liftoff program, an initiative supporting early-stage AI and machine learning startups. This free, virtual program helps startups innovate and scale, offering valuable resources and mentorship. ElectricSQL’s collaboration with Intel®l was even showcased during the Intel® AI Summit in London, where the potential of local-first technology to reduce cloud reliance and improve app performance was highlighted.
By leveraging the Intel® Tiber™ AI Cloud and Intel® Gaudi® 2 AI accelerator, ElectricSQL ensures that its platform remains at the cutting edge of AI and machine learning, providing enhanced performance and scalability for modern mobile applications.
With ElectricSQL, mobile apps can achieve lightning-fast data access, offline capabilities, and dramatically reduced cloud costs. By storing data locally, apps become more responsive and reliable, with real-time synchronization between devices and users. As a proud member of Intel® Liftoff, ElectricSQL is paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective mobile apps that don’t rely on the cloud for every function.
Learn more about ElectricSQL’s game-changing technology and discover how it can improve your app’s performance.
About Intel® Liftoff
Intel® Liftoff for startups is open to early-stage AI and machine learning startups. This free virtual program helps you innovate and scale, no matter where you are in your entrepreneurial journey.
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As a Software Tools Ecosystem Specialist at Intel, I’ve had the privilege of working on the dynamic GenAI initiative. My focus is on driving engagement with the software developer audience. I'm a proud team member of the Intel® Liftoff for Startups and the Developer Engagement, Relations, and Studio team.