Gaining Data Agility with Multi-Model Databases

Chapter 3. What Is Multi-Model?

The ability to handle multiple data models in a single system is the key benefit at the core of a multi-model database. By utilizing a single product or system that can handle many data models, you greatly reduce the complexity required to get a system up and running. You also increase your system’s ability to scale and adapt to future needs.

Here are the two key components a multi-model database offers:

• Supports many data models in a single system

• Provides the ability to query each data model using standard queries applicable to each data model

Data Models

The data model is the most important piece of a data-centric system. The data model is responsible for enabling a solid foundation to build upon. The following section describes some different types of data models and how each one can enhance a data-centric system.

Art or Science?

Many would agree that data modeling is an art more than it is a science. For example, if you put 10 data modelers in a room with a single set of requirements, you’d end up with 11 different data models. This is because we all have different experiences, knowledge, and viewpoints, which cause us to have different problem-solving approaches and ways of thinking. By using a multi-model database, instead of restricting and forcing data into a box, we are allowed to embrace these differences and even take advantage of them.

One Model Does Not Fit All

Rarely (if ever) does a single data model encapsulate all present ...