ScyllaDB introduces vector search for its DynamoDB-compatible Alternator API

ScyllaDB described a new capability for its DynamoDB-compatible Alternator API, adding vector search intended for real-time semantic search use cases without introducing a separate search system.

The company said DynamoDB users previously relied on a multi-system setup that combined DynamoDB with OpenSearch for vector semantic search queries, using exported data, synchronization via DynamoDB Streams, and separate queries across two APIs.

ScyllaDB tied the new approach to the Alternator API, where it said developers can run high-performance vector similarity search natively. In the earlier model, it cited operational issues such as data drift from Lambda sync failures, potential handling of DynamoDB deletions in OpenSearch results, and the need for full re-indexing when schemas changed.

ScyllaDB said its Vector Search for Alternator runs on ScyllaDB Cloud, and that it did not require code changes to migrate existing DynamoDB applications. “DynamoDB lacks a native solution,” said Dor Laor, ScyllaDB Co-Founder and CEO. “The bolted-on zero ETL job works, but brings cost up, latency up, and complexity up in the form of unnatural API. With native vector search in ScyllaDB’s DynamoDB-compatible Alternator API, teams can build semantic search, RAG pipelines, and real-time recommendation systems on the infrastructure they already run – without the complexity and cost of a bolt-on search cluster. ScyllaDB is 90-50% lower cost.”