Frequently Asked Questions about Timescale

Who are Timescale?

Timescale is a company that develops TimescaleDB, an open-source time-series database built on PostgreSQL. Founded in 2016, Timescale aims to provide a robust and scalable solution for managing time-series data, which is increasingly important in various industries such as IoT, finance, and analytics.

What are Timescales products?

Timescales primary product is TimescaleDB, a time-series database that combines the reliability and robustness of PostgreSQL with additional features specifically designed for time-series data. Timescale also offers Timescale Cloud, a managed service for TimescaleDB that simplifies deployment and management.

What services do Timescale offer?

Timescale offers several services including TimescaleDB for self-hosting and cloud deployment, Timescale Cloud for managed database services, technical support, and consulting services to assist organisations with their time-series data needs.

What type of companies do Timescales products suit?

Timescales products are suitable for companies across various sectors, including technology, finance, telecommunications, IoT, and any organisation that needs to store and analyse time-series data effectively.

How much does Timescales product cost?

TimescaleDB is available as an open-source product, meaning it is free to use. However, Timescale Cloud offers various pricing tiers based on usage, which can be found on their official pricing page. Costs depend on factors such as storage, compute resources, and additional features.

Does Timescale offer a free trial?

Yes, Timescale offers a free trial of Timescale Cloud, allowing users to explore its features and capabilities before committing to a paid plan.

What discounts does Timescale offer on their products?

Timescale may offer discounts for annual commitments or volume usage in Timescale Cloud. Specific promotions may also be available periodically; it is advisable to check their website or contact their sales team for current offers.

Are there any hidden fees or additional costs with Timescale?

For TimescaleDB, there are no hidden fees since it is an open-source product. For Timescale Cloud, users should review the pricing details thoroughly to understand any potential additional costs based on usage and selected features.

Who uses Timescales products?

Timescales products are used by developers, data scientists, and organisations that require efficient handling of time-series data, including enterprises in sectors like finance, telecommunications, and IoT analytics.

What are the main features of Timescales products/services?

Main features of TimescaleDB include support for SQL queries, scalability, continuous aggregates, time-series data compression, and integration with existing PostgreSQL tools. Timescale Cloud offers automated backups, scaling, and monitoring capabilities.

How does Timescale compare to its competitors?

TimescaleDB stands out for its PostgreSQL compatibility, powerful time-series capabilities, and open-source model. Compared to other time-series databases, it often provides better performance and flexibility for users familiar with SQL.

Is Timescales platform easy to use?

Many users find TimescaleDB easy to use, particularly if they are already familiar with PostgreSQL. The database supports standard SQL queries, which aids in its accessibility for developers.

How easy is it to set up Timescales product or service?

Setting up TimescaleDB can be straightforward, especially for users with PostgreSQL experience. Timescale Cloud simplifies deployment further by providing a managed environment that requires minimal configuration.

Is Timescale reliable?

TimescaleDB is built on PostgreSQL, which is known for its reliability and stability. Additionally, Timescale Cloud offers managed services with built-in high availability and automated backups to enhance reliability.

Does Timescale offer customer support?

Yes, Timescale offers customer support, especially for users of Timescale Cloud. Support options vary based on the chosen plan, with higher tiers providing more comprehensive assistance.

How secure is Timescale’s platform?

TimescaleDB provides strong security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and compliance with industry standards. Timescale Cloud further enhances security through managed infrastructure and regular security updates.

Does Timescale integrate with other tools or platforms?

Yes, TimescaleDB integrates seamlessly with other PostgreSQL-compatible tools and platforms. It also supports various data ingestion methods, making it compatible with popular data processing and analytics tools.

Can I use Timescale on mobile devices?

While TimescaleDB itself is a database and does not have a mobile application, it can be accessed via applications developed for mobile devices that connect to the database, enabling data retrieval and interaction through mobile interfaces.

What do users say about Timescale?

Users generally appreciate TimescaleDB for its performance, ease of use, and powerful time-series capabilities. Feedback often highlights the robust community support and comprehensive documentation available.

What are the pros and cons of Timescale?

Pros include open-source availability, PostgreSQL compatibility, strong time-series features, and good performance. Cons may include a learning curve for users new to SQL or time-series databases and potential cost for managed services in Timescale Cloud.

How can I purchase Timescale’s services?

Users can sign up for Timescale Cloud directly through the Timescale website. For TimescaleDB, it can be downloaded and installed from the official Timescale website or GitHub repository.

What is the cancellation or refund policy for Timescale?

Timescale Cloud users can cancel their subscription at any time. However, refunds are typically not issued for unused service periods. Users should review the specific terms and conditions outlined at the time of purchase.

What are the common use cases for Timescale?

Common use cases for Timescale include monitoring IoT sensor data, financial market data analysis, performance monitoring in applications, and analytics for observability and logging data.

Why choose Timescale over other options?

Timescale is often chosen for its robust PostgreSQL foundation, strong community support, and advanced time-series capabilities that make it suitable for complex data analysis and real-time applications.

Does Timescale offer training or tutorials?

Yes, Timescale provides various resources, including documentation, tutorials, webinars, and community forums to help users learn and effectively use their products.

What languages does Timescale support?

TimescaleDB supports SQL, which is the primary language for interacting with the database. Additionally, it can be accessed through various programming languages that support PostgreSQL drivers, including Python, Java, and Node.js.

What problems does Timescale solve?

Timescale addresses challenges related to scaling time-series data storage, performance when querying large datasets, and simplifying the analysis of complex time-series data patterns.

Is Timescale worth the investment?

For organisations dealing with significant amounts of time-series data, Timescale can provide valuable features and performance benefits that justify the investment, especially when considering the flexibility of the open-source model and managed services.