The MAD Podcast with Matt Turck
Why Influx Rebuilt Its Database for the IoT and Robotics Explosion
May 8, 2025
Evan Kaplan, CEO of InfluxData, shares the remarkable journey of InfluxDB, the leading open-source time series database, which surged from 3,000 to over 1.3 million users. He discusses the major architectural overhaul to InfluxDB 3.0, tackling the cardinality problem and the shift to object storage. Kaplan reveals insights about the competitive landscape against Databricks and Snowflake, and the tough lessons learned in monetizing their vast user base. The evolution of IoT and its critical role in analytics also takes center stage in this engaging conversation.
35:35
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Quick takeaways
- The architectural transformation to InfluxDB 3.0, including a shift from Go to Rust, addresses technical challenges essential for performance and competitiveness.
- InfluxDB's growth highlights the need for an effective monetization strategy alongside user engagement in the open-source business model.
Deep dives
The Rise of IoT in Business
The podcast emphasizes the significant growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), which has shifted from being perceived as a mere buzzword to a vital component of many businesses. It is noted that as of 2025, IoT constitutes about 60 to 70% of Influx Data's operations. This evolution has led to increased engagement with sensor analytics, showcasing that data is increasingly being collected from various sources to inform decisions. The speaker reflects on the initial skepticism surrounding IoT's potential, but acknowledges its current role in driving business forward.
