DataStax Startup Programme lets startups deploy DataStax Enterprise (DSE) applications for free; gives small companies the tools they need to grow their business quickly
Free online training courses teach users how to develop and administer big data applications with Apache Cassandra
Newly released DevCenter tool enables developers and administrators to graphically create queries, database objects, and more with the Cassandra Query Language (CQL)
IPEXPO and Cassandra Summit Europe 2013 – 16th October 2013—DataStax, the company that powers the online applications that transform business, today announced three initiatives designed to help startups and developers grow their companies. The DataStax Startup Programme allows eligible startups to deploy DataStax Enterprise (DSE) applications for free, while the new DevCenter tool and free online training courses enable any Cassandra user in any size and type of organisation to maximise their deployments.

DataStax Enterprise Available for Free to Eligible Startups
DataStax sells an enterprise-grade version of the open-source Apache Cassandra database integrated with analytics, search and security features; the company powers major applications for hundreds of customers, including 20 in the Fortune 100. The DataStax Startup Programme allows startups to deploy their DataStax Enterprise (DSE) applications for free if they have received less than $20 million in funding and operate within a designated revenue threshold.

Companies already participating in the new DataStax Startup Programme include MarkedUp, an analytics platform for app developers; SimpleReach, a social media analytics platform; Zimp, a real-estate search engine in Brazil; and Shore.li, a social media aggregator.

“I remember when we at DataStax were a cash-strapped startup, and we want to help companies in that scenario succeed,” said Matt Pfeil, co-founder and vice president of customer solutions, DataStax. “The DataStax Startup Programme gives young companies access to software that will let them focus on their customers rather than fighting challenges with data growth.”

“MarkedUp Analytics is an analytics service for native applications – we help app developers track revenue, user behaviour, and diagnostics from millions of concurrent users,” said Aaron Stannard, founder, MarkedUp. “DataStax Enterprise is a mission-critical part of our business and has cut months off our go-to-market times. The DataStax Startup Programme made it a no-brainer for an early stage company like us to partner with DataStax.”

To participate in the DataStax Startup Programme, visit http://www.datastax.com/what-we-offer/products-services/datastax-enterprise/startups.

Free Online Training Courses Available to Cassandra Developers and Administrators
Starting next month, DataStax will offer free online training courses that teach developers, system architects and administrators how to get the most out of Cassandra. The new virtual training course is an online training portal where anyone can participate in on-demand training in a multi-week, self-paced format. The initial training modules consist of video segments showing how to develop Java applications with Cassandra using DataStax Community edition.

DataStax online training courses also provide hands-on lab exercises that are given as a type of homework. During the last week of training there is a graded assignment and a certification test. Students will learn the basics of Cassandra (C*), CQL, C* data modeling, and using the DataStax Java Driver. Students can also participate in interviews with Cassandra experts in the field. The course has a different set of exercises than the in-person instructor led training, and is designed to give a quick start to learning Cassandra in the luxury of one's home.

To pre-register for the online training course, Java Development with Apache Cassandra, visit https://datastaxacademy.elogiclearning.com/.

DataStax DevCenter – Free Visual Query Tool for Cassandra Developers and Administrators
The Cassandra Query Language (CQL), which greatly resembles SQL, flattens the learning curve for developers migrating from relational databases to NoSQL solutions. DataStax DevCenter is a free visual query IDE for developers, administrators and others who want to create and run CQL statements against Apache Cassandra and DataStax Enterprise.

Write CQL Queries Fast and Efficiently: DevCenter’s tabbed query editors let users have multiple sessions open against one or many different database clusters. They can create new CQL queries or import in previously saved CQL files for immediate execution, and run CQL scripts against different clusters to check and compare results. Built in syntax highlighting, auto code completion and error correction greatly increase a developer’s productivity and ensure that queries and commands run right the first time
Navigate Database Schemas Easily: DevCenter allows you to easily navigate and view clusters, keyspaces and database objects through its visual Schema Explorer interface
Connect Quickly: DevCenter's connection manager provides a simple and friendly way to add and manage connections to existing Cassandra and DataStax Enterprise clusters, supporting both simple and authenticated connections
To download the new DevCenter tool, visit http://www.datastax.com/download/clientdrivers.