OtterTune

OtterTune was an AI-powered database automation and optimization platform founded in 2020.

It originated as a spin-out from Carnegie Mellon University, based on research from Dr. Dana Van Aken’s Ph.D. dissertation. The company was headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and had a team of 11 to 50 employees at its peak. OtterTune specialized in automated database tuning, utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence to optimize database configurations without manual intervention. Its platform focused on cloud-based PostgreSQL and MySQL databases, particularly supporting Amazon RDS and Amazon Aurora. The service aimed to enhance database performance and reduce cloud costs by automatically recommending and deploying optimal configuration settings. The company served various organizations, including tech companies, e-commerce platforms, and financial institutions, helping them manage their cloud-hosted relational databases effectively.