Do you really need a vector-native database?

Bill Doerrfeld | September 23, 2025

Do you really need a vector-native DB, or will traditional DBs with vector support cut it?

With the rise of AI, vector databases have quickly become a mainstay of modern software architecture. Vector native DBs are booming — but do you really need a shiny new database, or can traditional systems with vector support do the trick?


I’m excited to share my latest for InfoWorld, where I explore the world of vector databases and break down the differences, use cases, and tradeoffs.


Interestingly, three in four engineers are using a vector native DB over a DB with a vector add-on. Learn why in my article! 😉


The piece includes some helpful takes from a handful of industry experts, as well as fresh findings from a new HostingAdvice.com report on vector DBs.

Read: Do vector-native databases beat add-ons for AI applications?

Other Blog Posts

By Bill Doerrfeld • October 5, 2026
My latest for LeadDev interviews a Meta engineer who built an agentic system to optimize their capacity planning, leading to real power use savings.
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 30, 2026
I set out expecting to write an article about how every enterprise was jumping on trendy alternative or "neo" clouds. That ended up not being the case.
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 28, 2026
Join the virtual AI Pen-Testing Conference to explore how AI is changing penetration testing, red teaming, and the security testing of AI systems.
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 28, 2026
Counting down to Nordic APIs Summit 2026 in Stockholm, featuring 60+ speakers exploring agentic AI, APIs, MCP, and security.
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 28, 2026
I covered a Yale and GitHub report on LeadDev that explores developer attitudes on climate change and curbing IT waste.
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 15, 2026
Does your agent really need access to every tool call under the sun?
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 8, 2026
I'll be writing a weekly series for The New Stack this fall covering Kubernetes, cloud native, and everything happening on the road to KubeCon in November.
By Bill Doerrfeld • September 1, 2026
I'm teaming up with Dan Barahona and AI Security University to put together the MCP Security Conference, a free half-day virtual event dedicated to MCP security .
By Bill Doerrfeld • August 27, 2026
My latest DirectorPlus edition interviews Shopify's head of engineering, Farhan Thawar, on their unique internal engineering culture.
By Bill Doerrfeld • August 24, 2026
Neoclouds promise cheaper GPUs and AI-optimized infrastructure, but can they really challenge hyperscalers? My feature on InfoWorld explores their advantages, risks, and likely role in AI compute.