Cloud Database: A Complete Guide In 4 Points

Introduction

Cloud computing, with its advent and growth, has changed and eased lots of operations. You can now store anything on the cloud database using the cloud services provided by a lot of renowned multinational companies. A cloud database is just like all the other traditional databases with the advantages of cloud computing services. This article will explain the ins and outs of cloud databases. So, stick until the very last of the article to understand each salient point.  

Explanation and Uses of Database

Let’s explain the database and start by giving a clear idea about the database technology and its uses. A database is nothing but a collection of structured data in an organized manner, which is managed by a Database Management System, popularly abbreviated as DBMS.  

For any organization, DBMS plays a very crucial role as it stores all the essential data of the organization under the supervision of a Database Administrator or as we call DBA. All the company data is stored in tabular format (with more than one table). There are different tables on different subjects like the employee list, different departments, and so on. These are often related to one another with the help of foreign keys and joins etc.

Thus, database services play a crucial role in the company’s day to day activities and kind of form the backbone of the company. The process gets way simpler with the help of cloud databases. 

Cloud-based databases use remote servers on the internet rather than the local servers, thus making the entire process more mobile. 

1. What is a cloud database?
2. Know about the Cloud Database Architecture
3. The Common Cloud Traits 
4. Cloud Database Technologies List

1. What is a cloud database?

let’s dig deeper into the cloud-based world that we are living in. So, cloud database services include everything from storing all kinds of data required to providing access and delivering the data to the required parties involved. Therefore, as mentioned above, it is storing the data on the internet and is normally of three kinds. 

Platform as a service(PaaS)

Software as a service(SaaS)

Infrastructure as a service(IaaS)

Platform as a service or PaaS is the most common type here, providing the provision of servers, data storage, and operating systems. It helps in the storage and acts as a platform for the virtual database, saving the hardware cost and helping to access the data from all around the world.

SaaS, on the other hand, provides the entire software as a service to the organization in exchange for an amount and is an excellent business option for all those organizations involving a lot of web users.

IaaS helps to provide a complete infrastructure where the business can run their applications.   

2. Know about the Cloud Database Architecture

Today there is an enormous amount of data all around the world, making it kind of difficult for organizations to manage and store the data. Cloud computing has made the process a bit simple with a proper cloud database management system. Just like Relational Database Management System, there needs to be proper planning and system to store chunks of essential data, and manipulate and access the data from all across the world whenever it is required. 

Go Deep in the Three Schema Architecture!

The three schema architecture looks at three layers necessary for separating the data level from the physical level. It normally goes with the storage of the data, forming the base or the data layer. The data gets stored at a server with the application part forming the second layer. The final layer is the physical layer which can be accessed and used by the common people. There can be modifications in the architecture such as the 5-tier architecture or the 7 level architecture, but the 3 layer architecture forms the base with necessary changes for the cloud services.

Three can be a cloud-based architecture, keeping in mind certain details and modifications for cloud management.

• A bit of Customisation: Cloud data is used by a variety of users with different requirements. Therefore, cloud database services for data management must be a bit customized catering to the needs of all the users.  

• Modeling concept: Since there will be different types of users, each user is going to have his or her view with regards to his or her requirements.

• Hiding the necessary information: This a crucial step when it comes to the safety of the process. Unauthorized people must not have any access to the information stored on a cloud-based database.

• Security and privacy: The cloud administrators must be sure of granting access to the right people. Also, orchestration may be required at each step of the process. 

3. The Common Cloud Traits 

Know about the characteristics to understand more about the working and the structure of the cloud database services’ platforms. 

The majority of the services use web consoles by which the end-user can configure several database instances.

Like all kinds of database services, the database manager controls different underlying data modifications and storage and instances with the help of API. This service API is provided to the user for scaling operations on the database.

The scalability feature also differs among the different existing types, with some offering APIs and others going for auto-scaling options.

The software stack which is used for the entire system includes the database system, operating system(OS), and third-party software. Generally, the service providers are responsible for installing and updating the system for its smooth functioning. 

Cloud services must be available and must ensure to protect the data without losing any part of it and without any kind of unwanted changes. 

4. Cloud Database Technologies List 

Cloud computing is on a rise because of the flexibility and the ease of services that it provides. Several well known IT giants are planning to capture the market. Most of the cloud databases run on the well-known cloud computing platforms like Rackspace, salesforce, GoGrid, and Amazon EC2.

Here are the top five most beneficial cloud services for data storage.

• Amazon Web Services or AWS- AWS needs no introduction as it is already counted as one of the top cloud database technologies.
• Azure by Microsoft- This is Microsoft’s entry into the cloud space which has already gained a lot of momentum.
• Oracle Database cloud- Everyone has heard about Oracle because of its traditional database system, and now it is capturing the cloud storage space.
• SAP- SAP is the giant when it comes to offering software for enterprises and now is ready for cloud storage with its platform called HANA.

Final Words for the Cloud Future 

Cloud computing and storage is indeed the future and is helping lots of applications of AI and ML by easing the process of new development. With so many tech giants, the future of cloud data storage looks pretty great with new improvements and features.

If you are looking for an extensive course in Cloud Computing, then the 5.5-month online Postgraduate Certificate Program In Cloud Computing offered by Jigsaw Academy can be of help. This program helps interested learners become complete Cloud professionals.