Microsoft open sources pg_durable, a PostgreSQL extension for crash-resilient SQL workflows without external job infrastructure

Microsoft has released pg_durable, an open source PostgreSQL extension for running long-lived, fault-tolerant workflows directly inside the database. It lets teams define workflows in SQL, checkpoint each step, and resume after crashes, restarts, or failures without relying on separate cron jobs, workers, queues, or status tables.

The project reflects a broader move toward durable execution as a built-in platform capability rather than an application-layer add-on. By pushing workflow orchestration closer to the data, Microsoft is positioning PostgreSQL as a more complete backend for operational workloads, especially in its Azure HorizonDB service.