For Starburst's SQL-based analytics, should we emphasize query speed improvements or invest in developing more advanced analytical capabilities?

Introduction

The trade-off between emphasizing query speed improvements and investing in more advanced analytical capabilities for Starburst's SQL-based analytics platform presents a critical decision point. This scenario involves balancing immediate performance gains against long-term feature expansion. I'll analyze this trade-off by examining product understanding, potential impacts, key metrics, and experimental approaches to inform a strategic recommendation.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Based on our current market position, I'm thinking query speed might be a key differentiator. Could you share how our performance compares to our main competitors?

Why it matters: Helps prioritize speed improvements against market demands Expected answer: We're slightly behind in some benchmarks Impact on approach: Would emphasize speed optimization if we're lagging

• Considering our user base, I'm assuming we have a mix of technical and business users. What's the breakdown of our user segments and their primary use cases?

Why it matters: Informs which capabilities would provide the most value Expected answer: 60% technical, 40% business users with growing demand for advanced analytics Impact on approach: Might lean towards advanced capabilities if there's significant growth in business users

• Looking at our product roadmap, I'm curious about our long-term vision. How does this decision align with our 3-5 year product strategy?

Why it matters: Ensures alignment with broader company goals Expected answer: Aiming to be the leader in enterprise-grade analytics Impact on approach: Could influence the balance between short-term gains and long-term investments

• Regarding our engineering resources, I'm wondering about our current team structure. Do we have separate teams for performance optimization and feature development, or is it a shared resource pool?

Why it matters: Impacts feasibility of pursuing both paths simultaneously Expected answer: Shared resource pool with some specialization Impact on approach: Might need to prioritize one area or consider team restructuring

• Considering market dynamics, I'm curious about the urgency of this decision. Are there any upcoming events or competitor moves that are driving this timeline?

Why it matters: Helps determine the speed and scope of our response Expected answer: Major industry conference in 6 months where we want to showcase improvements Impact on approach: Could influence whether we opt for quick wins or more substantial changes