Pros and Cons of NoSQL Databases

Structured Query Language (SQL) databases have been around for quite some time now; though the NoSQL (Non-Relational) databases are fast replacing it and are being implemented by majority of companies. While adapting new concepts is exciting and progressive, we should tread these waters with caution; it involves investment, system upgrade, staff training and other aspects too. So let us consider the advantages of deploying NoSQL databases:

1. Big Data: With the passage of time, there is a tremendous increase in the volume of data; this means that storage and analysis dynamics also diversify. Though the Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) are trying to cope up with the data explosion, the data that can be handled and managed by NoSQL databases simply outweigh the traditional RDBMS.
2. Open Source: As far as open source products like Apache Cassandra are concerned, it is great news for developers. In terms of costs, faster deployment and great compatibility, open source NoSQL databases offer flexibility to the users.

1. Keeps Costs Minimum: Considering economics, NoSQL that utilize low-cost servers are perfect to manage the existing data needs and ever-expanding transaction volumes. RDBMS that have exclusive and expensive servers translate into higher costs; while NoSQL offers much more data capacity and volume at lower price point.
2. Adaptability to Changes: NoSQL does away with the rigid RDBMS structure that requires extensive downtime and support even for a minor change. The NoSQL databases are far more relaxed and adaptive to changes. NoSQL offer a universal index that includes values, text and structure. This means that changes are done faster and the user does not have to wait for months to rewrite a system and test it.
3. Functionality: Most of the RDBMS offer and support similar features, so they are somewhat same. As compared to that, NoSQL is mostly slotted in types like key-value, columnar, triple stores and document. With such an extensive choice, the user will certainly able to match his specific needs within the existing databases.
4. Vendor Choice: When you mention NoSQL, the industry offers many databases. With variety comes innovation and variation, thereby, we have many vendors that offer customized databases. And, being Open source, companies find it easier to explore and utilize NoSQL databases.

Having considered the benefits of NoSQL, let us also have a look at the glitches:

1. Data Analysis and Intelligence: NoSQL is perfect for modern web 2.0 applications and in fact was developed to cater to the needs of these applications. However, when you look at a business or an industry, it relies on data analytics and synthesis to test its efficacy, productivity and profitability. It seeks business intelligence from its database. And, where this area is concerned, NoSQL has limited features. It lacks in providing ad-hoc query and data analysis that are essential to bigger corporates. However, when combined with Apache Spark, the NOSQL can overcome this hurdle. Spark act as a data processing framework that does analytics and graph processing for large volumes of data.
2. Security Issues: Unlike traditional RDBMS, NoSQL are fairly new and still developing, hence, sometimes security may need to be looked at. Though many security issues have been and are constantly being resolved, occasional bugs and unexpected behaviors can still make industries wary of exploring and deploying NoSQL databases. As usage increases, NoSQL security will mature even more with any lapses no doubt quickly taken care of.

3. Expertise: We have no dearth of developers for RDMBS, the choice is unlimited. In contrast to that, NoSQL is a niche technology and still in its developing stage. For a company, as far as RDMBS is concerned, it is far easier to find and employ programmers and administrators. When it comes to NoSQL technology, many businesses rely on database managed providers (such as Instaclustr), that provide expertise for NoSQL data.

1. Lack of Support Services: Given the developmental stage of NoSQL, at times it is difficult to get support services that are reliable and easily available.
2. Lack of Standardization: NoSQL developers and programmers are experts in particular databases, and may not be able to work across diverse databases. This lack of uniformity is a headache for companies, especially when it comes to hiring staff. From a cost and long term point-of-view, managed service providers offer many advantages, as it is their business to stay relevant and flexible.

An in-depth research pertaining to the benefits and relevance of the new technology is imperative. It has to save time, cut down overheads or upgrade business processes; only then it is worth rooting for. NOSQL databases are promoted as the ‘next best thing’; though there is absolutely no doubt that NoSQL does offer a lot of advantages over the traditional databases, however, it should be relevant to your business needs and goals.

Sarah is a freelance technology writer since many years. She specifically loves to write on computer technology. In this article she has shared her thoughts about NoSql Databases. In free time she loves to learn about new technologies.