What is DataStax

DataStax is a tech company that provides database software solutions for enterprise-level applications. It focuses on expanding the capabilities of Apache Cassandra, an open source distributed database known for handling large volumes of data across servers. The platform improves Cassandra’s scalability, reliability, and security with commercial support and features.

Originally founded to simplify the deployment, management, and optimization of Cassandra-based applications, DataStax introduces an operational framework to the ecosystem. DataStax’s product suite includes tools for data management, performance optimization, and real-time analytics. These tools help organizations handle data workloads that demand high availability and distributed architecture.

What Is Apache Cassandra?

Apache Cassandra is an open source, distributed NoSQL database that can handle large amounts of data across multiple nodes with no single point of failure. It offers high availability and horizontal scalability, making it well-suited for applications that require continuous uptime and fast write performance, such as real-time analytics, IoT, and messaging platforms.

Cassandra uses a peer-to-peer architecture where each node in the cluster has the same role, which helps eliminate bottlenecks and improves fault tolerance. Data is automatically partitioned across nodes and replicated based on configurable replication factors to ensure durability and resilience against hardware failures.

It supports a flexible schema model based on a wide-column store, enabling developers to define tables with varying column sets. Cassandra also provides tunable consistency levels, allowing applications to balance between consistency and availability.

DataStax Luna for Apache Cassandra

DataStax Luna is a subscription-based support offering for organizations running mission-critical applications on open source Apache Cassandra. It provides direct access to the team behind Cassandra, offering assistance while organizations maintain control over their deployments.

Luna includes 24/7 support coverage, best practice guidance, and service-level agreements (SLAs) for urgent issues. It is available in two packages—Standard and Plus—tailored to the size and complexity of production environments. The Plus tier extends support to deployments with over 150 nodes and includes long-term support for Cassandra versions beyond the open source project’s maintenance window. Premium Support is also available as an add-on for customers needing faster response times and a deeper partnership.

Alongside core support, Luna supports multiple APIs including REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and document-based (JSON). It also provides specialized support for K8ssandra, a Kubernetes-based deployment framework for Cassandra.

Tips from the expert

Ritam Das

Ritam Das

Solution Architect

Ritam Das is a trusted advisor with a proven track record in translating complex business problems into practical technology solutions, specializing in cloud computing and big data analytics.

In my experience, here are tips that can help you better evaluate use of a proprietary solution versus a managed open source implementation in enterprise environments:

  1. Evaluate support and expertise: While 24/7 support and competitive service-level agreements (SLAs) are standard, support quality can be inconsistent with proprietary solutions, with users experiencing long resolution times and limited familiarity with specific environments. However, vendors who offer a managed service are known for their mature support systems with highly experienced engineers and proactive monitoring. This ensures quick issue resolution and reliable assistance, making it a strong choice for teams that prioritize dependable support.
  2. Consider operational overhead: Propriety solutions often require significant operational expertise to manage and scale Cassandra clusters, which can be resource intensive. Managed services eliminate much of this operational burden by handling provisioning, scaling and maintenance, allowing teams to focus on application development rather than infrastructure management.
  3. Assess feature and integration needs: Propriety solutions extend Cassandra with additional tools and features; however, these features come with a steep learning curve and may not always align with enterprise needs. Managed services simplify implementation and provide tailored solutions for seamless integration with modern development and monitoring stacks. This can be advantageous for teams seeking usability and scalability without the complexity.
  4. Weigh security and long-term fit: Proprietary solutions like DataStax may face shifts in strategy, especially after acquisitions (e.g. IBM’s acquisition of DataStax in 2025). Managed services emphasize enterprise-grade security and observability, offering robust solutions to safeguard data and ensure operational visibility.

Luna for Apache Cassandra: Features and packages

DataStax Luna is a subscription-based support service for organizations utilizing open source Apache Cassandra in their mission-critical applications. It offers direct access to Cassandra experts, ensuring that organizations can maintain efficient database operations.

Key features of DataStax Luna:

  • Expert support: Subscribers receive guidance from engineers who have contributed to Cassandra’s development. This expertise is useful for troubleshooting, performance optimization, and architectural decisions.
  • Flexible API support: Luna supports various APIs, including Document (JSON), REST, GraphQL, and gRPC, allowing developers to choose the most suitable interface for their applications.
  • Kubernetes integration: For organizations deploying Cassandra on Kubernetes, Luna offers specialized support for K8ssandra—a platform for running Cassandra in cloud-native environments.

Support packages:

DataStax Luna is available in two primary packages:

  • Luna Standard: Designed for small production environments with 20 to 150 nodes. It includes unlimited support tickets, 24/7 coverage, and a one-hour response time for urgent issues.
  • Luna Plus: Suited for larger environments exceeding 150 nodes. This tier offers all the benefits of the Standard package, with additional support for projects like K8ssandra and extended support for Cassandra versions beyond the community’s maintenance window.

Premium support add-on:

For organizations requiring a deeper partnership, Luna offers a Premium Support add-on. This includes access to a named engineer or technical account manager, a 15-minute response time for urgent issues, and direct escalation to engineering teams when necessary.

DataStax acquisition by IBM

In February 2025, IBM acquired DataStax. For existing DataStax users, the acquisition introduces both opportunities and uncertainties. IBM’s backing may bring improved resources, integration with its broader cloud ecosystem, and increased enterprise reach. However, customers may also face transitions in support models, pricing, and development priorities as DataStax’s roadmap potentially shifts to align more closely with IBM’s cloud-first strategy.

This realignment could be especially impactful for organizations seeking vendor-neutral or multi-cloud architectures. With IBM likely to embed DataStax more deeply into its own platforms, users dependent on independent or hybrid deployments may need to reassess the long-term fit.

DataStax for Cassandra limitations

While DataStax extends Apache Cassandra with tools and support, there are several limitations to consider when adopting it for production environments. These limitations were reported by users on the G2 platform:

  • Immature support maturity: Despite offering support, the service is still evolving. Some users report inconsistent quality, with long resolution times and lack of familiarity from support staff regarding customer environments.
  • Steep learning curve: DataStax supports multiple APIs like REST, GraphQL, and gRPC, but navigating this range—along with mastering CQL and deployment models—can be complex for teams new to Cassandra.
  • Data modeling constraints: Cassandra, and by extension DataStax, requires query-driven data modeling. Since not all columns can be used in WHERE clauses, data architects must define access patterns upfront. This can lead to data duplication and inflexible schemas.
  • Limited query capabilities: Cassandra’s query language (CQL) lacks features commonly expected in relational databases, such as joins and transactional guarantees. This limits use cases requiring complex queries or strict consistency.
  • Operational overhead: Running a DataStax-powered Cassandra cluster, especially in production, demands significant resources and operational expertise. Maintenance and scaling can become time-consuming without dedicated personnel.
  • Cloud offering gaps: DataStax Astra, the cloud-managed version, lacks refined RBAC, robust network security features, and extendable monitoring/observability tools—important aspects for enterprise adoption.
  • Complex legacy perception: Cassandra is often viewed as a complex system, which can affect adoption. This perception extends to DataStax as well, particularly among teams seeking simplicity or relational database familiarity.
  • Feature gaps and integration issues: There are limitations in areas like incremental backups at finer granularity (keyspace/column family), BLOB data handling examples, and integration with other Apache tools.

NetAapp Instaclustr: The ultimate DataStax alternative for managed Cassandra

When evaluating Cassandra support, it’s essential to consider the provider’s reliability, expertise, and ability to address real-world challenges. While IBM DataStax Luna offers support for organizations using Apache Cassandra, several limitations make it less ideal for enterprise-grade production environments. Here’s how managed Apache Cassandra with

Instaclustr stands out:

  • Open source commitment: Instaclustr uses the pure, unmodified version of Apache Cassandra 2.0 license, ensuring compatibility with the open source ecosystem and avoiding costly proprietary software or vendor lock-in.
  • Fully managed: Eliminates the operational burden Cassandra management by streamlining provisioning, scaling, and maintenance, making Cassandra manageable for teams of all sizes and experience levels.
  • Pre-built, optimized configurations: Tuned for reliability and performance with optimal instance types and configurations on each major cloud (AWS, Azure, Google)
  • Cost transparency: Instaclustr offers straightforward and predictable pricing models, allowing businesses to manage resources effectively without surprise fees.
  • Automated health checks: Monitor your Cassandra clusters 24×7 with proactive expert maintenance and support, ensuring peak database performance.
  • Unmatched support maturity: Experienced support engineers with over 500+ node hours under management, ensuring quick and effective resolution no matter the type of deployment.

Finally, enterprise-grade security and observability are critical. Instaclustr delivers enterprise-ready solutions to safeguard data and provides complete operational visibility.

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