There are enormous cloud databases you can weed through to decide the best fit for you. The list includes Amazon Web Services, EnterpriseDB, Garantia Data, Google Cloud SQL, MongoLab and Microsoft Azure. Each option offers its myriad of benefits and its share of disadvantages. To make the best choice, you have to base your choice on some of your unique business needs.
As your data needs continue to grow, so will the management needs. You will be responsible for the storage, servers, networks, users, applications, customer support and fix problems. This is all that makes database management difficult. However, thanks to the availability of cloud databases, the work can be done easier on your part.
But how exactly do you ensure that you select the best service for your business? With choosing the right cloud database being the key to a successful experience in cloud, before you sign your first deal with a provider, it is imperative that you learn to ask the basic questions that help find the right service for you. The purpose of this article is to provide what you need to look at when making your choice.
Access your needs
Long before you can start considering the services of different service providers in cloud databases, it is imperative that you first assess your needs. It is only by doing this that you will be able to prepare efficiently for an eventual migration. There are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself at this point:
- What will be the use of a database for you? Do you need it for a website, applications, direct access or complex environment?
- Who will be using the database?
- Which functions are most important to you? Will you be focusing on basic or advanced management?
- What type of records will you be storing? What is the volume of the records that you need to store?
The purpose of asking these questions is for you to find the ideal cloud database requirements as well as decide on which service will be the best for you. These questions will enable you to pick that service that will meet your business needs. Knowing exactly what you need will further enable you to prevent being misguided when choosing a service.
Research cloud database providers
Now as you know what you need to look for, it is time to take a look at what different database providers have to offer. Database providers offer varying products and services. Some are a one-stop shop for all your database needs while others will specialise in specific areas. Dealing with service providers that offer a range of services will enable you to ease database management and help save costs.
Simple research will enable you to make a list of cloud service providers you can work with. Focus mostly on what you wish to see at the end of the day. For instance, if your objective is application management, you want that service provider who specializes in that.
It is always good to compare the services of different service providers before making the final decision. This is important as migrating from one service provider to another is never easy. Therefore, you should choose the most reliable service the first time round. Make a list of promising providers then compare their services. Always remember that DBA services are priced per usage over time and billed monthly. Thus, make sure you can afford the service.
Important considerations before choosing a database
Although cloud database providers need to satisfy strict standards to work in the industry, there are three important considerations you need to make before selecting a service. While you should ask questions regarding how the company keeps up with growing technologies, here are crucial points you must never skip.
Security
Security is important, more so when considering that data loss can lead to a myriad of problems which include your customers suing you. You, therefore, want to work with the service provider that offers you the most secure services in the industry. But how can you ensure that the service is secured?
Regular update deployment
Database threats keep evolving. You need a service provider who is at the forefront helping you stay ahead of the rest. The service you select should offer regular deployment of updates to the database management system. All updates must also be tested before they are deployed.
Offer role-based access control
Role-based access control enables you to define other types of access so as to achieve delegation as well as segregation of duties for the users.
Authentication method
Understanding the authentication method will help you know if the cloud database is strong enough or not. Microsoft SQL Server has two types of authentication: the SQL and Windows Server authentication.
Encryption service
For added security, the service you select should come with encryption. This will secure your data while in memory, in transit, on the disk and during query processing.
Certified for technology
Last but not least, ensure the service provider is certified for technology.
Performance
Performance has to be the key element you consider when picking a database or server solution. It is the server performance that propels the data forward.
- How good are the physical components?
- How many connections can you have to the cloud database?
- How much bandwidth do you get?
- What is the connection speed?
Ease of management
The third consideration you need to make is that of ease of use. If the platform is quite hard to use, you will easily lose control. You should be able to manage the machines with just a couple of clicks. Look at the management options and options of support available.
Open source power
Open source cloud computing software can offer distinct advantages to organisations, often leveraging strong user and developer communities and aggressive release cycles. Open source database providing scalability, high availability and fault-tolerance on hardware, virtual systems or cloud infrastructure.
Some open source database include:
- Apache Cassandra
- CounchDB
- HBase
- Hypertable
- MongoDB
Whether you just want to expand your database to the cloud or migrate entirely to the cloud, the points discussed in this post will help you get started. Always be true to your business needs.
