Beginning Database Design Solutions, 2nd Edition

3NoSQL Overview

Chapter 2, “Relational Overview,” explained some relational database concepts and the terms that go with them. This chapter explains ideas that go with nonrelational NoSQL databases.

Many of the latest NoSQL database providers offer their services in the cloud, so cloud databases and NoSQL often go hand in hand, although the pairing isn't strictly necessary. You can run a NoSQL database on your local computer, and you can use the cloud for many things other than NoSQL databases, including relational databases.

The following section discusses cloud databases in general. The rest of the chapter talks about different NoSQL database types and provides some information that can help you pick the right database for you.

THE CLOUD

Often when people discuss the cloud, I'm reminded of this (slightly modified) dialogue from The Matrix:

Trinity:	… It's the question that brought you here. You know the question, just as I did.
Neo:	What is the Cloud?
Trinity:	The answer is out there, Neo, and it's looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to.

Many people want the cloud in their business, but they don't really know what the cloud is. They just know that they need it.

Fortunately, you don't need to take the red pill to learn about the cloud. The cloud is simply an amorphous collection of remote computer resources that you can use on demand. For example, you can use remote servers to store data, perform data analysis, or execute special-purpose applications. ...