You’re considering a cloud-based database. How do you know if it’s right for you?

1 Data size

One of the main advantages of cloud-based databases is that they can handle large amounts of data without requiring you to invest in expensive hardware or infrastructure. You can store terabytes or even petabytes of data in the cloud, and pay only for what you use. You can also scale up or down your storage and compute resources as your data needs change, without worrying about capacity planning or maintenance. However, if your data size is relatively small, or if you have strict performance requirements, you may not need the cloud’s scalability and flexibility. In that case, you may be better off with a local or on-premise database that gives you more control and lower latency.

2 Data type

Another factor to consider is the type of data you’re working with. Cloud-based databases offer a variety of options, from relational to non-relational, from SQL to NoSQL, from structured to unstructured. Depending on your data model, query patterns, and analytics needs, you can choose the best fit for your project. For example, if you have a lot of structured data that requires complex joins and transactions, you may want to use a cloud-based relational database, such as Amazon RDS or Google Cloud SQL. If you have a lot of unstructured or semi-structured data that requires high availability and scalability, you may want to use a cloud-based non-relational database, such as Amazon DynamoDB or Google Cloud Firestore.

3 Data access

A third factor to consider is how you access your data. Cloud-based databases allow you to access your data from anywhere, anytime, and from any device. You can also leverage the cloud’s features, such as backup, replication, encryption, and disaster recovery, to ensure your data’s availability and security. However, accessing your data from the cloud also introduces some challenges, such as latency, bandwidth, and network reliability. If your data is time-sensitive or mission-critical, you may need to optimize your network configuration, use caching or edge computing, or implement hybrid or multi-cloud solutions to reduce the impact of these challenges.

4 Data governance

A final factor to consider is how you govern your data. Cloud-based databases require you to comply with the policies and regulations of your service provider, as well as the laws and standards of the countries or regions where your data is stored and processed. You also need to consider the risks of data breaches, data loss, or data misuse by unauthorized parties. To address these issues, you need to ensure that your data is properly classified, secured, audited, and monitored. You also need to understand your rights and responsibilities as a data owner, and negotiate your service level agreements (SLAs) and contracts with your service provider.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?