The rise of NoSQL databases

OptimaData provides consulting, training and database management services for NoSQL database platforms.
The term NoSQL stands for Not Only SQL and is used for a new and increasingly popular type of database systems that differ in several ways from their classical relational counterparts. The concept of NoSQL is most easily explained using the CAP theorem. In this theorem, a database system can always have one of the following properties:
Most NoSQL systems fit into the two categories Availability and Partition tolerance. The Consistency property is different: instead of consistency, NoSQL offers eventual consistency.
Database-systemen die men beschouwt als consistent voldoen vaak aan het eerdergenoemde ACID-principe: Atomiciteit, Consistentie, Geïsoleerd, Duurzaamheid. Uiteindelijk consistente database-systemen zijn gebaseerd op het BASE-principe:
Database systems that are considered consistent often satisfy the aforementioned ACID principle: Atomicity, Consistency, Isolated, Durability. Ultimately consistent database systems are based on the BASE principle:
In software development, first of all, the expected performance requirements determine the choice of a datastore: the estimated load on the system, the maximum and average numbers of concurrent users, the probable data volumes, and the length of time the data should be available. A second step consists of an analysis of the nature and use of the data and the functionality of the application: do users only consult data or do they also report? Does it involve transactions? Is data being processed online?
The number of NoSQL products is growing rapidly. As a result, it can be difficult to base a choice solely on pre-formulated requirements. There are many similar solutions and the differences are sometimes subtle. All details deserve careful attention – from the API and the availability of support to the characteristics of the community. NoSQL data stores can be classified into the following categories:
These NoSQL databases enable efficient data storage. Compared to more advanced databases, they are very limited because they provide access to the data (value) in only one way. Other ways require external management, such as through Lucene or through an index managed by the application.
Examples: Riak, Redis, Memcached
These NoSQL databases are also known as record-oriented, tabular databases or wide-column stores. The term BigTable became popular because of Googles BigTable implementation. Like relational databases, a Big Table database consists of multiple tables, each containing a set of callable rows. Each row consists of a set of values that can be thought of as columns.
Examples: Azure Tables, HBase, Cassandra
These NoSQL databases are also known as document-oriented databases. They are designed for optimal storage of and access to documents, as opposed to a structure of rows or records. Document databases are schema-free.
Examples: CouchDB, MongoDB, Terrastore
In these NoSQL databases, data are stored in graph-like structures, rather than linear lists or key/value pairs. They are particularly suitable for social networks and provide a natural model for user relationships.
Examples: Neo4j, BrightstarDB, GraphBase OptimaData can help determine which NoSQL variant or Hybrid solution will work best for your situation.
What provisions are best taken to keep the system available? And not just during unfortunate events, but also during upgrades, software releases and other changes to the database environment? The available options are changing at a rapid pace and OptimaData’s consultants can provide advice appropriate to your situation and requirements regarding database management.
A QuickScan for a good picture of your environment with a set of recommendations for optimal performance of your current and future-proof database environment. Application of best practices and performance tuning to get the most out of your configuration.
Regular HealthChecks to keep a finger on the pulse in relation to contamination, database growth or renewed data modeling. With database management through Managed Consultancy or Managed Services, you are assured of business continuity, database maintenance and 24/7 support in case of disruptions or incidents.