The Howdy Glossary

Teradata is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that employs massively parallel processing (MPP) to efficiently handle complex queries on large databases, supporting real-time analytics. Its core products include the Teradata Database, Teradata Tools and Utilities, Teradata Warehouse Miner, and the Teradata CRM Solution. Originally developed by founders from Caltech in 1979, it was designed to address significant data processing needs for enterprises to facilitate quick and effective data-driven decisions.

What sets Teradata apart is its MPP technology which enables highly scalable and efficient data processing on petabyte-scale databases. This capability allows organizations to perform advanced analytics on massive volumes of transactional data in real time. The company's comprehensive product suite offers versatile tools for managing and analyzing data, catering to various sectors like finance, retail, telecommunications, and healthcare that require substantial data processing capabilities.

Despite facing competition from major players like Oracle Exadata, IBM Db2 Warehouse, Microsoft SQL Server Data Warehouse, and Snowflake Computing's cloud-based solutions, Teradata maintains a competitive edge through its unique MPP technology. This architecture supports high-performance real-time analytics which is crucial in today's business environment. With over four decades of expertise in data warehousing and analytics alongside robust product offerings tailored for complex analytics needs at scale, Teradata remains a preferred choice for enterprises looking for powerful insights from their vast datasets efficiently.