How can you choose the right cloud-based database?

1 Data Type and Structure

One of the first things that you should consider is the type and structure of the data that you want to store and access in the cloud. Depending on your use case, you may need a relational database, a non-relational database, or a hybrid database. Relational databases store data in tables and use SQL (Structured Query Language) to query and manipulate the data. Non-relational databases store data in various formats, such as documents, key-value pairs, graphs, or columns, and use different query languages or APIs to interact with the data. Hybrid databases combine the features of both relational and non-relational databases, allowing you to store and query different types of data in the same database.

3 Reliability and Availability

A third factor that you should consider is the reliability and availability of the cloud-based database. Reliability refers to how often and how long the database is operational and functional. Availability refers to how accessible and reachable the database is from your application or service. You should look for a cloud-based database that can guarantee a high level of reliability and availability, as well as provide backup and recovery options in case of failures or disasters. You should also check the service level agreement (SLA) of the cloud provider, which specifies the minimum uptime and performance that they promise to deliver.

5 Cost and Pricing

A fifth factor that you should consider is the cost and pricing of the cloud-based database. Cost refers to how much money you have to spend to use the database, including the initial setup, the ongoing maintenance, and the additional features. Pricing refers to how the cloud provider charges you for the database, based on the parameters such as data size, transactions, queries, or usage time. You should look for a cloud-based database that can offer you a reasonable and transparent cost and pricing model, that matches your budget and expectations, and that allows you to optimize your spending and resources.

6 Security and Compliance

A sixth factor that you should consider is the security and compliance of the cloud-based database. Security refers to how well the database can protect your data from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion. Compliance refers to how well the database can adhere to the laws, regulations, and standards that apply to your industry, location, or data type. You should look for a cloud-based database that can offer you a robust and reliable security and compliance framework, that includes features such as encryption, authentication, authorization, auditing, and logging. You should also look for a cloud-based database that can help you meet the requirements of the relevant authorities and organizations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS.