SUMMARY: Microsoft is retiring default outbound internet access for new Azure Virtual Machines on September 30, 2025, to enhance cloud security by requiring administrators to replace unmanaged, ephemeral IP addresses with explicit routing solutions like NAT Gateways...
Welcome to our blog, which is more than just a record of our experiences. It’s a resource.
Our blog is an invaluable resource for anyone struggling with the challenges of managing a database, applications, or clouds.
We understand the difficulties involved in troubleshooting, building, improving, securing, and operating these platforms,
and we’re here to share our insights and expertise with you. Browse through our collection of blog posts below,
and don’t hesitate to leave your comments and feedback.
PostgreSQL in GCP: Tackling “permission denied for language C”
SUMMARY: Database administrators can resolve the PostgreSQL "permission denied for language C" error in Google Cloud Platform (GCP) by abandoning custom C-language functions and instead enabling the native uuid-ossp extension for secure UUID generation. GCP Cloud SQL...
Azure Deprecating TLS 1.0 and 1.1
SUMMARY: Microsoft is deprecating Transport Layer Security (TLS) versions 1.0 and 1.1 across Azure SQL services, requiring organizations to upgrade client connectivity to TLS 1.2 by August 31, 2025, to ensure data security and compliance. Azure SQL Database and...
Oracle Database 23ai: To Upgrade or Not To Upgrade?
SUMMARY: Database administrators must carefully weigh the advanced artificial intelligence capabilities of Oracle Database 23ai against its currently restricted availability to determine if an immediate upgrade aligns with their infrastructure strategy. The production...
XTIVIA’s 2024 Virtual-DBA Performance: Hot-Off-The-Presses NPS and CSAT Scores
Okay, we have to tell you—we're over the moon about these numbers! Our 2024 Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores for Virtual-DBA are just incredible. This year stood out as a true highlight, marking the peak of client sentiment and...
Easy Steps to Creating a MySQL Password Policy
Creating a password policy by enforcing strong, complex passwords for user accounts is an essential step to improve database security. While enforcing a password policy can seem restrictive, it is crucial to securing your database and protecting sensitive data. MySQL...
Understanding the EagerZero Format and Its Impact on SQL Server Performance
EagerZero vs. Quick Format: A Comparison When it comes to formatting drives, there are different methods available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Two common methods are EagerZero and Quick Format. Here's how they compare: EagerZero Format...
Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS): A DBA’s Lifeline in a Crisis
What is Disaster Recovery as a Service? DRaaS, or Disaster Recovery as a Service, is a cloud-based solution that safeguards critical business data and applications. It provides a comprehensive approach to disaster recovery, offering a range of services such as data...
Easy Guide to MariaDB Auditing
The MariaDB Audit Plugin is a powerful tool for database administrators aiming to improve security and accountability within their MariaDB environments. The MariaDB Audit Plugin logs user activities at the database level, like SQL queries, logins, and access patterns,...









