BASE, also known as Eventual Consistency, is seen as the polar opposite of Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability (ACID), properties seen as desirable in traditional database systems such as a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS).

BASE essentially embraces the fact that true consistency cannot be achieved in the real world, and as such cannot be modelled in highly scalable distributed systems. BASE has roots in Eric Brewer's Consistency, Availability and Partition-tolerance (CAP) Theorem, and eventual consistency is the underpinning of any distributed system that aims to provide high availability and partition tolerance.

Infinispan has traditionally followed ACID principles as far as possible, however an eventually consistent mode embracing BASE is on the roadmap.