Enterprise databases aren't one-size-fits-all. Let us evaluate your use case to see if managed CockroachDB is the right fit for you.
Book a callThe database has been a critical part of software architecture pretty much since the beginning of software. But databases have changed quite a lot over the years.
For a long time, “the database” was a machine sitting somewhere in your office or data center. It was a piece of physical infrastructure that your company owned and managed.
The rise of cloud computing has meant that for many companies, database infrastructure is now virtual, with the database hosted in the cloud. And that, in turn, has paved the way for cloud providers and third parties to offer database hosting and management as part of a package deal commonly referred to as database-as-a-service (DBaaS).
Database-as-a-service (DBaaS) is a term that is used to describe cloud database products that go beyond simple cloud database hosting and include database management services.
The fundamental value proposition of DBaaS products is that they take the work associated with physical infrastructure management and database software management off of the customer’s plate.
Ideally, this allows the customer to focus on building their application and to put their database management in the hands of experts. Where once running a database meant buying the physical infrastructure and building a team capable of deploying and maintaining it (both the hardware and the database software), companies opting for DBaaS solutions can now focus leave most or all of those tasks in the hands of their DBaaS vendor.
The specific details of what’s included in a DBaaS offering will vary from vendor to vendor, and may also vary by deployment method. Typically, a DBaaS service will include the cloud infrastructure (hosting and management), and management of software operations like updating the database software, backing up the data at regular intervals, and more. Most DBaaS providers will have SLAs that guarantee the buyer a certain percentage of uptime.
DBaaS products typically also offer ways for the customer to easily interact with their database such as web UI, APIs, or both. Other services may be included as well.
For example, let’s look at some of the features of CockroachDB dedicated, one of Cockroach Labs’s managed DBaaS offerings:
That is far from a complete list – for a full rundown of features, check out this PDF guide – but these are some of the types of services and features one might expect to find on offer from top DBaaS vendors.
It’s worth keeping in mind that the services offered by a DBaaS vendor may also vary based on deployment method, if the vendor offers more than one. CockroachDB, for example, offers two different deployment patterns for its managed DBaaS: dedicated and serverless. Dedicated involves purchasing dedicated machines, so scaling up or down happens via the web UI, API, or command line tools. Serverless, on the other hand, allows customers to set a maximum monthly spend limit, with the database automatically scaling up and down to match demand while staying within the client’s budget.
At a high level, the primary advantages of managed DBaaS services are:
The specifics will vary case-by-case, but often there are also other advantages of adopting a DBaaS, such as improved security compared to operating your own database on-prem.
Since the features and services associated with DBaaS offerings can vary quite a bit based on both the vendor and the underlying database technology, it’s a good idea to compare your options carefully.
The disadvantages of DBaaS services – if there are any at all – will depend on the specifics of your use case. However, some factors to consider are:
The best relational DBaaS for you will depend on the specifics of your company and your application. Smaller companies and startups may be best served by something simple and familiar such as managed Postgres.
Larger companies, enterprises, and anyone operating at significant scale will likely be better served by a modern relational database such as CockroachDB, which offers very high availability, ironclad data correctness, easy geo-partitioning, and elastic horizontal scalability.
These advanced features may not be needed by smaller firms, but can save enterprises massive amounts of time and money.
Not sure which DBaaS might be right for you? Let us evaluate your use case.
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