Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) is a fee-based subscription service that grants organizations the ability to use databases without creating physical infrastructure, installing software, or any other configuration. In addition to this, this cloud-based service enables an organization can access, read, and manipulate a database easily.

DBaaS providers host the necessary infrastructure and provide the DBA services to form databases and deploy them to clients using a private cloud service.

DBaaS is a sub-division of the newly formed market of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and is growing as fast as SaaS. It is estimated that the DBaaS market will value $320 billion by 2025. This expressive growth shows the importance and acceptance of DBaaS in enterprises.

Advantages of DBaaS

1. Saves Money

Enterprises that use DBaaS don’t have to invest in building the costly infrastructure needed by a database and can save that money. Also, zero infrastructure means that companies can function with less staff, electricity, and other resources.

The fee for using DBaaS depends upon the organization’s consumption. So, if your enterprise is small in scale, you only need to pay for what you use. However, you can buy additional capacity to meet your needs when you grow. Also, during low times, you can opt-out of additional features to control your expenditures.

2. Security

Major DBaaS providers offer DBA services with industry-grade security that complies with the key regulatory standards. Other safety features include default encryption of data, access management, identifying and reporting about breach attempts, etc.

It providers also guarantee a certain amount of uptime in the Service-Level Agreement (SLA). If you experience downtime more than what is actually specified, you will get compensation accordingly.

3. Scalability

DBaaS providers offer configurable databases so that you won’t have to search for suitable databases among hundreds of options. You can also add computing power, storage, and other features at run time without hassles and reduce the database during non-peak times. This liberty and customizability make the DBA administration trouble-free and simple.

Types of DBaaS

The two types of DBaaS are:

Relational DBaaS– This type of database contains items having a specific relationship between them. Relational DBaaS use a SQL database to store information in tabular form. Some relational database management systems (DBMS) are Oracle, Amazon RDS, Azure, MySQL, etc.

Non-Relational DBaaS– This is also called a NoSQL database, and it doesn’t store data in tabular form, granting more flexibility. Objects stored in a non-relational don’t need to have an obvious connection. Some non-relational DBMS are MongoDB, Redis, Couchbase, Apache Cassandra, etc.

How to Choose DBaaS?

As this technology is gaining popularity, more and more companies are emerging within the DBaaS industry. This increased participation results in competition, and intelligent buyers can benefit from that by researching and comparing services and offerings.

DBaaS is a cost-effective investment, but making the right investment needs to be a well-informed decision. So, to avoid unwanted situations, you can use the following steps before you purchase a DBaaS.

Step 1: Primary or Auxiliary Data Stores

Primary and auxiliary are the two types of data stores created for different purposes. The primary data store is general-purpose storage that supports most databases and query languages. It also offers a flexible data model with relational databases.

Auxiliary data stores perform specific tasks with top-notch efficiency. These data stores create databases and objects that can perform a certain task with the best quality. Hence, they don’t make great general-purpose databases.

If you own a business and want to keep a track of data related to customers, inventory, staff, and expenditure, you either find a data base specifically made for businesses or opt for general database software. However, consider an Auxiliary DBaaS if you only wish to handle customer-related data efficiently.

Step 2: Know Your Present and Future Needs

There is no surprise that you should buy a product that suits your needs. However, while purchasing a DBaaS, you need to understand your present and future needs.

As your business grows in a year, you need more storage space. To adapt to this change, your DBaaS should have the option to extend storage and allow other customizations.

Before you buy a DBaaS, make a list of your present and future needs and compare different software to find the one that matches your expectations.

Step 3: Testing the DBaaS in the Real-World

A prototype remains a prototype until it performs outstandingly in the real world. You should always test your DBaaS with the roughest traffic possible to find the exact capabilities and features of the software. Carefully monitor the response from DBaaS when it is working under pressure and find possible vulnerabilities if any.

If you can’t conduct your test, look for some external agencies to provide you with the test results. Analyze and interpret those results and try to find its working efficiency under huge traffic, capabilities, features, and robustness.

Step 4: Look for Extra Features

Enterprises integrate different management tools, such as activity tracking utilities, logging, key management, and account management, into the database to make it more functional.

Due to the considerable competition, companies try to attract customers by providing exciting in-built and add-on features. Look for DBaaS software loaded with useful features to make your work easier and more efficient. Comparing different products is the best way to find a suitable one.

Disadvantages of DBaaS

1. Organizations using DBaaS don’t have direct control over the database because they lack physical access to the servers.
2. Since DBaaS is shared using the cloud, you can’t physically secure your database or enhance cybersecurity.
3. The cost of DBaaS for global and large enterprises isn’t optimal.
4. The database works slower due to latency issues that may arise from low-speed internet.

Concluding Remarks

DBaaS providers create and deploy their databases on the cloud, and then, organizations interested in using that database contact the provider for the pricing. After the deal, the provider grants access to the database to the organization. However, managing a database is a challenging, full-time job. You can’t guarantee performance and stability. That’s why you need the experts of Atlas Systems to stand by your side in managing your database and optimizing its performance. We help our clients establish the infrastructure and SOPs required for database optimization. For more information, reach us today.