There are such significant changes going on in how data is managed and in how AI manages data, that it's not always clear which requirements are driving which trends. Jim Curtis returns to look data highlights from AWS re:Invent and to identify important changes that are taking place. FinOps and broader cloud cost management efforts are leading providers to offer tools and programs to corral spending. AWS has introduced database savings plans to provide discounts in much the same way they've done with other services as they look to foster platform commitment. AWS is also expanding its platform capabilities for AI development, with AWS SageMaker integrating additional tools to simplify the creation and deployment of AI solutions.

The intersection of databases, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence is creating more focus on vectorization. It's fueled the evolution of search capabilities, which offers a more semantically rich and efficient way to organize and retrieve data compared to traditional methods. AWS S3 now has vector support, taking the venerable object store into AI-capable territory. AI is revitalizing established technologies and compelling cloud providers to deliver more integrated and tailored services.

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For S&P Global subscribers:

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• Data Platforms Market Monitor & Forecast 2025
• Survey Data Hub – Voice of the Enterprise: AI & Machine Learning, Use Cases 2026
• Agents are already driving workplace impact and agentic AI adoption – Highlights

Credits:

• Host/Author: Eric Hanselman 
• Guest: James Curtis
• Producer/Editor: Feranmi Adeoshun
• Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Kyra Smith