Database Development

AIGard designs and optimizes databases that match your workload, whether transactional, analytical or vector search. We also migrate and tune existing databases.

The work typically covers:

• Data modeling and schema design
• Query and index optimization
• Database migration and upgrades
• Replication, backup and recovery
• Vector databases for AI search
• Access control and encryption

Database Development is usually the right investment in one or more of these situations:

• Queries are slow as data grows
• You're migrating to a new database or the cloud
• A new product needs its data model designed
• You're adding semantic search or RAG

On a 30-minute scoping call we confirm whether it fits your case and recommend a team shape and first milestones.

In most cases AIGard can keep database migration downtime to a short cutover window by using replication. We plan and rehearse the migration before carrying it out.

What is achievable depends on the database and the workload, so we review the existing setup before committing to an approach. Planning also covers backup and recovery, and we say plainly if a particular migration calls for a longer interruption.

Yes, AIGard works with vector databases. We use Pinecone, Weaviate and PostgreSQL-based vector search for retrieval and semantic search.

This work typically supports teams adding semantic search or retrieval-augmented generation to a product. We recommend the option that matches your workload, and we review your existing databases before advising whether a separate vector database is needed.

We begin with discovery: goals, users, constraints and measures of success. From that we propose scope, architecture, milestones and a team shape in writing before build work starts.

Delivery then runs in iterations with regular demos, so you see working software early and can adjust direction with evidence.

Yes. We start with a review of the code and architecture, then agree what to keep, refactor or replace.

That gives you a clear assessment of the current state before you commit to further investment.

For Database Development, AIGard engineers typically work with PostgreSQL, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, Pinecone, Weaviate and Supabase.

The stack is selected to fit the systems you already run, and engineers are matched to it before they join.

Database Development is available through any of AIGard’s three engagement models: staff augmentation, where engineers join your team; a dedicated team that runs the workstream; or software outsourcing, where AIGard delivers a defined project.

The choice depends on how much of the delivery you want to manage, and it can change later under the same agreement.

Engineers typically start within two to four weeks of the scoping call. The exact date depends on the roles, seniority and number of people required.

We confirm a realistic start date in writing before you commit, and you meet the proposed engineers before work begins.

AIGard engineers typically cost 30–50% less than the fully loaded cost of a comparable US-based hire, with no recruiting fees, benefits overhead or insurance costs on your side.

The figure for a specific engagement depends on the model, the roles, the seniority mix and the size of the team. We issue a written proposal after the scoping call, so the commercial terms are agreed before any work starts.

NDAs are signed before any access is given, and engineers work inside your environment under least-privilege access, with permissions limited to their responsibilities.

Access is reviewed as roles change and removed when work ends. Our practices align with ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR and HIPAA, with PII masking, encryption and audit logging built into data work. We review your access policies, data-handling needs and vendor requirements during scoping.

You do. Intellectual property assignment is written into every contract, in every engagement model.

That covers source code, designs, documentation, data, models and prompts produced for you. Third-party components and their licenses are identified, so ownership is clear at handover.