Cloud databases are collections of data deployed, delivered, and accessed in the cloud. They run on cloud computing platforms. A user can either run a database on a virtual server in the cloud or purchase access to database services offered by a provider.
Cloud databases store and organize structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data. They also offer various benefits to users who choose a cloud database over administrating their own on private servers. Their advantages include speed, scalability, agility, and reduced costs.
Here is an in-depth look at how a cloud database works.
How Databases Work in Business
Business databases are the foundation for operational and analytics applications. They collect, organize, and deliver data to stakeholders, such as executives and workers. You can switch and migrate to the cloud if your organization uses an on-premise database.
Cloud databases run in public or hybrid clouds. They can be offered as managed database-as-a-service. They can also be deployed on a cloud-based virtual machine, which is then handled by an in-house IT team.
Relational vs. Non-Relational Cloud Database
Two types of cloud databases exist. Each works differently from the other.
A relational cloud database is based on a table of columns and rows. Data is arranged in a predefined relationship. Fixed data schemas are typically used here. SQL is used to query and manipulate data. Relational databases are recommended for dealing with large amounts of structured data. Examples of relational databases are SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Spanner, and Cloud SQL.
A non-relational cloud database is meant for unstructured data like email, message texts, documents, survey results, rich media files, and more. There is no clearly defined schema here. You can save and organize information in a non-relational database regardless of its format. Examples of non-relational databases are MongoDB, Redis, Cassandra, Hbase, and Cloud Bigtable.
Self-Managed vs. Managed Database Service
The deployment model you select for your cloud database determines how it works. Self-managed cloud databases are installed and hosted on virtual servers. This method allows you more control over your database. However, an in-house IT team is required to manage and maintain your database servers.
Managed cloud databases are easier to work with. They are accessed as a service. They’re run entirely on the service provider’s infrastructure. The provider handles all database management responsibilities. Managed cloud databases include automated provisioning, scaling, security, upgrading, and health monitoring.
How Cloud Databases Manage Your Data
A business generates data constantly. Cloud database providers offer a flexible way to store and manage this data. Your provider has all the hardware, operating systems, and software needed to administer the database. You also do not need to purchase physical infrastructure for management or maintenance.
As your applications grow, cloud databases can scale quickly, accommodating high loads automatically. This is called auto-scaling, which works dynamically without a user submitting a request. It’s also possible to launch another cloud database or decommission an existing database fairly quickly. Add more processing and storage capacity when workloads increase or decrease as workloads shift downward.
How Do You Pay for a Cloud Database?
Cloud database providers have different pricing models. Pay-as-you-go options are standard in the industry. Subscription services are an alternative. Flat rates are charged monthly or annually, depending on what database services you want to utilize.
You do not receive a software license for a cloud database. Pricing is always based on system resources provisioned to meet your workload. Many users opt for discounted pricing by paying in advance for a year – sometimes less, sometimes longer – though they are limited to specific capacity requirements.
Key Components of a Cloud Database System
Cloud databases, regardless of their service provider, share common fundamental components. These include an engine that handles data storage and a metadata catalogue filled with information about different database objects.
Users interact with the data through a defined database access language, such as SQL, which allows querying and modifying stored information. A query optimization engine and a separate query processor make this process efficient.
There’s a lock manager in place to maintain data integrity when multiple accesses occur. At the same time, a log manager meticulously records all changes to the data, automatically generating different versions.
You also have access to various database management utilities. These tools enable you to customize and personalize your cloud database. Give it the capabilities and performance that match your specific needs.
Multiple Layers of Security Protection
Security is the key to cloud databases. A database cannot attract users if security and privacy are not top priorities.
Cloud providers constantly maintain their security, keeping it up to date and upgrading as needed. Multiple layers of protection exist. End-to-end encryption is often utilized. Centralized security policies protect data without slowing performance.
Maximize Your Uptime with Cloud Databases
A cloud database operates reliably and with guaranteed uptime. High availability, automated backups, and disaster recovery capabilities are three features frequently mentioned when discussing cloud databases.
As data is hosted on various servers instead of a single server, other servers can step in and keep data up if there is downtime. A business using a cloud database can expect little to no disruptions when using these services. Furthermore, uptime percentages are guaranteed as part of the service level agreement for many cloud database providers.
Also Read; Google Cloud unveils the Database Engine for Healthcare Integration
