Live in the future, then build what's missing
The author reflects on the large gaps and hidden costs that hinder AI product adoption in non‑internet sectors, comparing AI software to traditional SaaS, questioning data‑driven moats, and outlining practical steps to bridge these challenges.
The article chronicles Alibaba’s five‑year journey from the early CloudDBA diagnostic tool to the self‑driving Database Platform (SDDP), detailing product pivots, data‑driven engineering, AI collaborations, and the technical and organizational challenges overcome along the way.
The author recounts his first year at Alibaba, detailing the transition from a solo newcomer to leading the OceanBase cloud platform, establishing large‑scale real‑time monitoring with JStorm, evolving team processes, and adapting to Alibaba’s fast‑paced, iterative culture.
