What’s New in Azure Data: HorizonDB and Rayfin | LIVE143
Nikisha Reyes-Grange introduces two Microsoft Build 2026 data announcements: Azure HorizonDB (a new approach to building and operating PostgreSQL for cloud-native apps) and Rayfin (a Microsoft Fabric capability aimed at simplifying how developers build and run data applications).
Overview
This session covers two Azure Data innovations and the problems they are intended to solve:
- Azure HorizonDB: positioned as a rethink of how PostgreSQL databases are built and operated, with an emphasis on a modern, scalable foundation for cloud-native applications.
- Rayfin: positioned as a way to build and run data applications in Microsoft Fabric, bringing data, application logic, and AI closer together so developers can scale without stitching together multiple backend services.
Topics highlighted in the session
Azure HorizonDB (PostgreSQL)
- Motivation for rethinking PostgreSQL database architecture and operations for cloud-native workloads
- Core concepts behind HorizonDB’s approach to scalability and operations
Rayfin in Microsoft Fabric
- The problem Rayfin aims to solve: making it easier to move from prototypes to production and simplifying production deployment for developers
- How Rayfin is described as expanding the developer experience and Fabric capabilities by reducing the need to assemble separate backend services
AI capabilities inside PostgreSQL
- AI functions available within the SQL environment
- Model management concepts surfaced in the database context
- Hybrid search mechanics
- Indexing options discussed as part of enabling hybrid search
Speakers
- Nikisha Reyes-Grange
- Charles Feddersen
- Sachin Patney
Session context
- Microsoft Build 2026 on-demand session (LIVE143)
Chapters (from the video description)
- 0:00 - Speakers Introduction: Nikisha, Charles, and Sachin
- 00:00:36 - Overview of Topics: Azure Horizon DB and Raefen
- 00:04:21 - Discussion on problems Rayfin aims to solve—simplifying production deployment for developers
- 00:06:33 - Conclusion—Rayfin’s role in expanding developer experience and Fabric capabilities
- 00:07:45 - Introduction to Raefin’s goal of bridging prototypes to production environments
- 00:09:52 - Highlighting Microsoft’s global community involvement through events, podcasts, and Postgres engagement
- 00:10:46 - Transition to discussion of AI capabilities in Postgres
- 00:11:25 - Introduction of AI functions and model management within SQL environment
- 00:12:28 - Detailed explanation of hybrid search mechanics and indexing options