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In an era dominated by cloud computing, databases have become synonymous with remote servers, but a fundamental flaw persists: the speed of light. As Marco Bambini, a veteran database architect and founder of a startup focused on SQLite, argues in his recent Substack post, this physical limitation means cloud databases will always suffer latency issues—whether it's 30ms from Milan to London or 120ms to New York. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a deal-breaker for applications demanding real-time responses, from autonomous drones to home robots that can't afford to freeze mid-task during a Wi-Fi outage.

Bambini, drawing from two decades of experience including building commercial DBMS systems on SQLite, highlights how the database landscape has fragmented into specialized solutions for every new challenge, especially with AI-driven needs like vector search. Yet, he contends that 90% of use cases could be efficiently handled by a single, versatile database. The key is shifting to a local-first architecture, where the database runs directly on devices or at the edge, ensuring zero-latency access and uninterrupted operation even offline. This approach eliminates the cloud's inherent delays and network dependencies, which can lead to catastrophic failures in critical scenarios—like a security system misidentifying a family member or a robot tumbling down stairs.

"If we want to deliver truly great user experiences, the database must be local," Bambini asserts. "Requests should have zero latency, and the database should support modern features like AI, vector search, and federated learning."

SQLite, he argues, is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution. As the world's most deployed and rigorously tested database, with guaranteed support for the next 25 years, it offers unparalleled reliability. Enhanced with extensions for synchronization, conflict resolution, and AI capabilities, SQLite can handle intelligent offline sync—only updating the cloud when the network allows. Bambini calls this a unified future where the distinction between edge and cloud blurs: "What we need is a single solution that combines both, with everything else as an implementation detail."

Despite its underrated status, SQLite's efficiency isn't limited to embedded use; Bambini cites its proven scalability in server environments, handling millions of requests with minimal resources. This local-first model isn't just a niche fix—it's essential for the coming wave of smart devices. Imagine smart homes or industrial IoT systems that function flawlessly without constant connectivity, processing data locally and syncing on-demand. For developers, this means building apps that are inherently resilient, reducing reliance on complex replication strategies that struggle with consistency.

As Bambini envisions, the next 25 years could mark SQLite's resurgence, transforming latency from a barrier into a benchmark for innovation. By embracing local-first as the default, the tech industry can finally move beyond the cloud-edge dichotomy, ushering in an era where databases empower truly responsive, intelligent applications—no matter where they run.

Source: The Future of Databases is Local-First by Marco Bambini.