ClickHouse vs. Legacy SQL: A 50x Speed Miracle

Client: B2B SaaS Platform (10M+ records, enterprise users)

  • Problem 1

    Legacy SQL database timed out on complex searches (>60 sec or timeout error)

  • Problem 2

    Users couldn’t customize search fields or output columns

"Our clients threatened to churn over unusable analytics."

Our Solution

1

Database Revolution

Migrated to ClickHouse (column-oriented DB) → 50x faster queries.

Optimized data models.

2

Smart Web Interface

Customized field selectors (users choose search parameters).

Custom output column selection.

Added caching for frequent queries.

Implemented granular user access levels.

Results in 6 Months

0.5 sec

average search time (vs. 60+ sec previously).

Strategy

tiered pricing strategy that generated new subscription revenue.