The shift from traditional monolithic architectures to container-based solutions has revolutionized application deployment by enabling consistent, isolated environments across various platforms. However, as organizations look for improved efficiency, resilience, security, and scalability, the limitations of container-based applications, such as their manual scaling, resource management challenges, potential single points of failure, and operational complexities, become apparent. These challenges, coupled with the need for sophisticated tools and expertise for monitoring and security, drive the move towards cloud-native architectures. Cloud-native approaches offer a more robust integration with cloud services, including managed databases and AI/ML services, providing enhanced agility and efficiency beyond what standalone containers can achieve. Availability, scalability, and security are the cornerstone requirements of these cloud-native applications. This work explores how containerized applications can be customized to address such requirements during their shift to cloud-native orchestrated environments. A Proof of Concept (PoC) demonstrated the technical aspects of such a move into a Kubernetes environment in Azure. The results from its evaluation highlighted the suitability of Kubernetes in addressing such a demand for availability and scalability while safeguarding security when moving containerized applications to cloud-native environments.

The purpose of this article is to test and compare the scalability and performance of NewSQL databases (CockroachDB and SingleStoreDB) versus standard relational databases (MySQL and PostgreSQL). The dataset chosen for this benchmark was an TPC-H generated database, making it a suitable dataset for testing database scalability and efficiency in handling complex queries and big amounts of data.To execute the benchmarking, we will construct assessment criteria based on 3 main categories: Process, Performance and Strategy. In this way, it will be possible to evaluate the behavior of each solution, in different contexts and how they use the respective functionalities to obtain the best result. A Benchmarking tool is essential for obtaining sustainable, reliable, and community-accepted indicators, as it uses standard metrics to assess and classify behavior and performance. Based on these paradigms and the mechanism used for data generation, the benchmark tool chosen for this paper is the TPC-H Benchmark, which explores the data organization and complexity.The results of this benchmarking will give significant insights into the strengths and drawbacks of NewSQL and RDBMS databases, as well as whether the database is better suited for certain use cases. Furthermore, using a dataset like TPC-H will deliver more accurate and useful results, allowing developers and database administrators to make more educated database selection selections. Another point to check is the behavior of technologies in the face of a large volume of data, which is something natural and increasingly common nowadays.

This article addresses the development of a digital platform within the OutSystems ecosystem, embracing the principles of Low-Code and No-Code application development. The platform facilitates users in sharing their ideas, opinions, and reviews with a community of fellow book enthusiasts. Users can discover new titles, engage in debates, and foster connections by offering a space for meaningful conversations and suggestions. The platform empowers users to contribute to a shared knowledge base by providing book ratings and reviews, thereby assisting others in their book selection process. The emphasis lies in delivering a seamless, user-friendly experience through a modern and clean interface, further enhanced by personalized book recommendations tailored to individual user preferences. In the context of the rapidly evolving landscape of application development, Low-Code and No-Code approaches have gained significant traction due to their efficiency and accessibility. This article aims to highlight the integration of these approaches within the development of the digital platform. Utilizing the capabilities of the OutSystems ecosystem, which inherently embraces these concepts, the platform's creation becomes a testament to the versatility and benefits of such methodologies. In conclusion, this digital platform not only caters to the needs of book lovers by equipping them with a range of tools, but it also stands as a prime example of the successful implementation of Low-Code and No-Code development strategies. These tools encompass organizing reading lists, active community participation, and receiving customized literary suggestions. The application achieves a fluid and intuitive user experience, further facilitated by incorporating low-code principles. It enables users to manage their reading materials effectively, set goals, track progress, rate and review books, and engage with fellow bibliophiles. This comprehensive solution empowers book aficionados, enriching their digital reading journeys while showcasing the prowess of Low-Code and No-Code application development in creating impactful solutions.

Waste collection is a traditional process that involves a driver collecting waste from a set of designated deposits based on a pre-determined route. The authors present a new approach that utilizes Artificial Intelligence to define the route based on the occupancy volume of the deposits. The new process involves the use of a mobile application to assist the driver during the journey. The application communicates with the central system to receive information on the next route, calculates the best possible route considering traffic laws and road conditions, and guides the driver throughout the journey. The application also provides real-time updates on the driver’s progress and allows the driver to provide feedback All collected data is stored and can be consulted and explored through lists, graphs, and filtering options. The authors believe that the new approach will improve the efficiency of waste collection and provide a better experience for the driver.