There are two cloud database environment models
: the traditional cloud model and database as a service (DBaaS).
In the traditional cloud model, the content database runs on the particular enterprise infrastructure and any
- oversight falls into the hands of the manager and IT team
- DBaaS runs on the service provider’s infrastructure and they are responsible for any problems or failures should they occur. The user can focus entirely on operations, development and business objectives.
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Advantages of working
with cloud databases Switching to the
cloud can be extremely beneficial nowadays because of the wide range of legacy advantages it brings with it. Some of them include
:
- Reduced reliance on hardware: With the cloud service provider covering maintenance and infrastructure aspects, businesses can now invest less in hardware and resources, as well as IT expenses. There are also fewer complications and conflicts that often hinder development.
- Improved scalability: Working with a DBaaS allows for smooth and seamless scalability during peak hours or before large releases with tight deadlines. This is a huge benefit for growing businesses that may not possess the budget and resources for local infrastructure.
- Value for money: Not worrying about operational costs or expensive upgrades is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cloud databases. Most DBaaS solutions are available in multiple configurations today, something that makes it easier for businesses to pay only for what they actually use.
- latest technology: Companies no longer have to worry about spending money on buying new technologies because updated infrastructure is the headache (and sole responsibility) of the cloud provider. Companies also don’t need to hire dedicated staff for training and onboarding purposes.
- Security – Just like the above advantages, all of today’s major vendors take care of the security aspect and invest in the best solutions available to keep databases secure. No solution is bulletproof, but it’s definitely proving to be a safer way to protect sensitive data and information with less margin for error.
Enjoy the
Did you know? According to Gartner, infrastructure as a service (IaaS) will be the fastest growing segment of the cloud market by 2020, with forecast growth of 24%.
Top 7 Cloud Databases
1 – Amazon Web Service (AWS) Amazon
has become the market leader in the DBaaS space. It offers complementary data management services such as Redshift, a data warehouse, and Data Pipeline, which is a data integration service to facilitate data management. Amazon’s current offerings include
: Amazon RDS:
- Amazon’s relational database service runs on Oracle, SQL, or MySQL server instances
- SimpleDB – This is primarily a schemaless database designed to handle smaller workloads
- Amazon DynamoDB: This falls on NoSQL databases (SSDs), which can automatically replicate workloads across three Availability Zones.
. Amazon
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Strengths: Lots of features, easy to use, good support and documentation Weaknesses: Not too customizable, downtime per Amazon Annex
2 – Oracle Database
Oracle Database
provides businesses with enterprise-scale database technology stored in the cloud. Even though its first offering was fairly comprehensive, the Generation 2 offering consistently performs better with extensive governance and security controls.
Data migration is also covered with a dedicated solution and strict customer support in case technical issues or questions arise.
Strengths: Intuitive interface, easy to use, strong customer supportWeaknesses: No free version, no mobile access, expensive for small businesses
3 – Microsoft Azure Simply put, Azure is a cloud computing platform for creating virtual machines, building and running
web-based
applications,
smart client applications, and XML web services. It currently has the largest and most robust global infrastructure, with 55 regions, more than any other cloud provider.
A big point to consider is that Microsoft offers the widest range of software that a modern business needs today. This can allow you to create a huge ecosystem that has the same roots, with a single place to go with your questions or problems, if any may arise.
Strengths: Comprehensive solution, good security, strongecosystem Weaknesses: Dubious customer service, not easy to use
4 – Google Cloud Platform
Surprisingly, Google is still trying to catch up with the big players in the market. But its solutions are being adopted by more and more companies of different sizes, thanks to its no-nonsense approach and comprehensive documentation that reduces stress on developers, IT professionals, and other stakeholders.
Broad open source support also has its fair share of benefits, allowing you to scale while doing more with analytics and integrations.
Strengths: Comprehensive documentation, good for small and large businessesWeaknesses: Not yet at the Big Three level (AWS, Oracle, Azure)
5 – IBM DB2
This is a relational database that offers advanced data management and analysis capabilities for storage and transactional workloads. IBM DB2 is designed to deliver high performance, actionable insights, data availability and reliability, and is supported on Linux, Unix and Windows.
However, you have fewer regional options, which can affect performance and compliance requirements based on your development projects.
Strengths: Well-designed product, easy migration processWeaknesses: Average, expensive, mediocre customer service Functionality 6 –
MongoDB Atlas
MongoDB Atlas
is a popular open source NoSQL database that offers powerful scaling, fragmentation, and automation capabilities. Another advantage is that most developers using this can accelerate through continuous delivery models without any database administrator (DBA).
On the downside, some applications require SQL databases to work, which automatically removes MongoDB Atlas from consideration.
Strengths: Strong support community, quick installation, flexibilityWeaknesses: NoSQL only, can be a challenge for new/inexperienced developers
7 –
OpenStack
Another interesting open source rival to Google is OpenStack. These databases come in managed or hosted cloud databases. Rackspace is highly customizable and its architecture is easy to understand and implement. Many revisions have supplemented the scaling capabilities of this solution.
The OpenStack community collaborates around a six-month time-based release cycle with frequent development milestones.
Strengths: Good value, easy to useWeaknesses: cumbersome interface, some stability issues
Making the most of everything
Want to manage your database changes and history? In 2022, DBmaestro released Source Control for major databases, including: Oracle, PostgreSQL, MariaDB, MSSQL, and MySQL. It was an important development as a safe and secure enhancement of open source platforms. Continuing to bring best practices to the database world, DBmaestro’s Source Control product offers automatic code creation and code reviews, logging of all changes, sandboxing, branching and merging, and ease of use that enables developers, DBAs, and database engineers to do much more with less time. Shorten feedback loops, increase productivity, and improve collaboration across teams and databases. See a 90-second example of how it works here.