What Is Database as a Service (DBaaS)?

The world is rapidly evolving, and organizations need to invest in the best infrastructure to stay ahead. This means using all necessary tools available to ensure a stable, secure, and efficient system for users. While some companies might be able to afford and handle an on-premises infrastructure setup, many do not have the capital, expertise, or willingness to run their own servers. As a result, the ‘as a Service’ market took off when providers realized that they could simply provide infrastructure and managed services at an affordable, scalable, and more efficient rate.

This is where the concept of Database as a Service – or DBaaS - came to fruition. In this blog article, we explore the DBaaS meaning and how the service has elevated infrastructure on a global scale. We also look at some of the key benefits and fallbacks of the system while exploring the top DBaaS providers. We further look into how DBaaS compares to IaaS and SaaS platforms then list the ways your company can choose the best DBaaS solution. First, let’s get a better grasp on the DBaaS definition itself.

What Is Database as a Service DBaaS?

So, what is DBaaS? To simplify it, Database as a Service DBaaS is a cloud computing managed service that allows you to access the database without requiring setup of physical hardware, software, servers installation, or any other need to operate and maintain the database. Within a DBaaS setup, a cloud provider will take care of the administrative functions, maintenance, and general functions of the database. Often companies do not have the workforce, expertise, or money to create, run, and maintain their infrastructure. DBaaS allows these organizations to host most database types – including NoSQL, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.

DBaaS is typically subscription-based and entirely scalable which means that companies will only have to pay for what they need – making it a more affordable option. While most DBaaS providers will run their platform on a public cloud, some might use Managed Cloud Services to host database servers on-premises for better remote management. Now that we know a bit more about Database as a Service, we can try to understand how DBaaS works.

How Does DBaaS Work – Understanding the Model

Database as a Service DBaaS – or a Managed Database Service – operates very similarly to other ‘as a Service’ platforms in that users are allowed access to database controls and cloud features on a rental basis. DBaaS is a service added to the database to optimize and streamline operations. Users can then access and control their DBaaS setup through an API to unburden resources and elevate efficiency. Once the database is moved to the cloud, organizations can then choose to add Software as a Service as well.

We’ll now explore some of the use of Database as a Service DBaaS.

Database as a Service (DBaaS) Uses

Database as a Service has many applications for different organizations. Essentially any company looking to find a scalable, affordable, and professionally managed database service would benefit from using DBaaS. The outsourced service also caters strongly to companies concerned about security and backup issues as DBaaS infrastructure will often come equipped with advanced cybersecurity and disaster recovery features to protect data.

DBaaS platforms are also used for application testing and development as the managed configurations make it easier and faster to streamline the development process. The flexibility and scalability of the DBaaS model also make it ideal for IoT applications where thousands of data points need to be captured, stored, and analyzed within seconds. The DBaaS platform provides a flexible foundation to deal with rapidly changing sensor data from IoT apps while its scalable nature allows it to manage a drastically growing number of added IoT devices.

Additionally, DBaaS can be used for enhanced data analytics and insight. All organizations need to keep track of data movement to improve operations and DBaaS solutions offer real-time data processing that can make that possible. With a DBaaS framework, large data workloads can be seamlessly analyzed to glean valuable information that will ultimately elevate the company. There are multiple ways DBaaS can be used in real life and this is mostly due to the model’s several benefits – which we’ll now further explore.

Advantages of Database as a Service (DBaaS)

The Database as a Service model has become an established and commonly used framework for many organizations in today’s digital landscape. Let’s go through some of the main advantages of DBaaS platforms:

1. Cost Efficiency: Forming an infrastructure of your own for database management can be an expensive endeavor. Aside from building the infrastructure, maintenance, tools, and training are also costly for most organizations. With a DBaaS solution, companies can outsource their database system with a predictable and cheap subscription rate.
2. Maintenance-Free Operations: Managing, running, and maintaining on-premises database infrastructure requires skills, time, and effort. For most businesses, this can be challenging. With DBaaS, your provider will take care of all the maintenance, operations, and management on your behalf with professionals at the helm – leaving your workforce available for more important tasks.
3. Security and Support: For all organizations, security is a crucial feature in any infrastructure. Fortunately, most cloud DBaaS providers will offer advanced cybersecurity measures and encryption for data at rest or in transit. This ensures that your database enjoys integrated security protocols without siloed gaps for vulnerabilities to thrive.
4. Scalability: Businesses are naturally in flux and need a flexible infrastructure that reduces wastage and can expand as needed. DBaaS solutions offer fully scalable models that can be seamlessly upgraded or downgraded according to peak usage times. This will optimize performance during seasonal operational flares – such as holidays for e-commerce companies or hospitality groups.
5. Optimized Development and Productivity: While on-premises database systems often take time to process requests by development teams, DBaaS allows developers to easily curate and configure a database to integrate with applications. DBaaS scalability and intelligence also make it easier to expand operations by adding more nodes, fixing patches, and performing upgrades as needed without any downtime or disruptions.

While DBaaS might suit many organizations, the framework might not be ideal for specific needs. We’ll now explore some of the pitfalls of the Database as a Service model.

Disadvantages of Database as a Service (DBaaS)

The DBaaS framework hosts several benefits for many companies, however, it is not immune to shortcomings either. Let’s go through some of the disadvantages of using DBaaS as your preferred infrastructure host:

1. Navigating Vendor Relationships: Choosing the right DBaaS provider can be a headache and organizations need to ensure the reliability and contract specifics to avoid vendor lock-in – where an organization is restricted to a specific provider due to financial constraints while not benefiting adequately from their provided services. To prevent this situation, companies are encouraged to use DBaaS providers that are open to integrating and maintaining customer agility.
2. Data Sovereignty and Privacy: With DBaaS models, there might be some confusion about data sovereignty and responsibility. Organizations must ascertain that the data they collect is subject to their country’s legal framework and remains within its rightful owner’s domain and control. DBaaS providers need to maintain strict security measures to ensure users’ privacy protection as well. While companies may hand over the controls for DBaaS to their provider, they have the responsibility of ensuring that their client’s data is protected in that exchange.
3. Cost Overruns: While the scalable nature of DBaaS does make it a cost-efficient solution, excessive usage and unexpected costs can quickly add up and make the framework more expensive than planned. Companies need to closely monitor their usage and eliminate any unnecessary features.
4. Uncertain Compliance: Certain organizations deal with private and sensitive data that is heavily regulated by compliance laws. Using a DBaaS solution might make it difficult to store data with complete confidence in security compliance as the data is under third-party control and will be stored, transmitted, and backed up according to the DBaaS provider. Failure to comply with data regulations might result in hefty fines, prison sentencing, and reputational damage.
5. Fast Internet Reliance: Access to your DBaaS solution relies on a strong Internet connection which means that slow or disrupted Internet access will result in downtime and performance issues – ultimately affecting productivity and availability.

Now that we have established the basic pros and cons of the DBaaS framework, we can further explore how Database as a Service compares to other ‘as a Service’ models.

DBaaS vs. IaaS vs. PaaS

Modern cloud computing models all have services that can be outsourced as needed. These include features for networking, storage, virtualization, servers, and more. The most common forms include Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) frameworks. We’ll now look at how Database as a Service solutions compare to these.

While an on-premises server exists entirely on-site, a Software as a Service (SaaS) framework provides a remotely controlled software platform managed by the service provider. In the same way, Platform as a Service (PaaS) solutions are also third-party controlled and provide both hardware and software to organizations. This can include the OS, middleware, and runtime components and usually focuses on application development and deployment.

An Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) provider will give users the same components of an on-premises data center – including servers, storage, and networking hardware while also providing a hypervisor layer. In comparison to the three computing models above, Database as a Service DBaaS will primarily focus on the management and supply of databases in a cloud environment. This can be done without any hardware, software, or complex configurations by the user.

DBaaS will mostly be used for managed database solutions rather than focusing on virtualized infrastructure like IaaS or application development and deployment like PaaS. Each organization has unique needs and will choose the infrastructure model best suited accordingly. However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t help out as well in deciding which is the best DBaaS solution for you.

How to Choose a Database as a Service (DBaaS)

When it comes to choosing the right Database as a Service framework for your organization, you need to carefully consider your needs and what you’re looking for in an infrastructure solution. Let’s go over some of the steps you can take to choose the best DBaaS:

1. Define Your Needs: Every organization has unique requirements from its database. When choosing a DBaaS provider, you need to consider the amount of data you would be processing, your scalability needs, and the security and compliance protocols necessary. Factor in the future needs of your business as well and start from there.
2. Evaluate Service Offerings: Your ideal DBaaS solution won’t simply fall from the sky. You need to put in the hours for researching different DBaaS providers and seeing what plans they have on offer. Knowing what you’re looking for will help to narrow down and filter your options. Remember to consider security features, supported programming languages, backup options, and other services you might need.
3. Consider the Costs: When searching through DBaaS solutions, be mindful of your budget and cost expectations. This will prevent you from overspending or undercutting yourself by not spending enough. Remember to consider the cost of expansion and flexibility in the future as well.
4. Security and Compliance: Ensure that your chosen DBaaS provider has advanced security measures in place to protect your data. This includes measures to ensure that data is stored, transferred, and retrieved following the compliance regulations of your area.
5. Understand Your Support and SLAs: Many organizations fail to read the fine print and conditions of support when choosing a DBaaS. Look over the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with proper counsel and determine the boundaries of the service provided and how far your DBaaS provider’s responsibility falls. This includes educating yourself on support channels, expected response times, service availability, and more.
6. Look at Reviews and Feedback: Search for reviews and feedback on different DBaaS providers to find the best DBaaS solution for your needs. Look at factors like customer satisfaction, support quality, and usability to gain valuable insight before making your choice.
7. Ask for Proof of Concept: Most DBaaS providers will allow you to test out their services for a limited time before committing fully. This will provide peace of mind and can help to choose by trial and error based on the outcome.

Now that we know what to do when deciding on a DBaaS provider, let’s take a look at some of the main Database-as-a-Service providers available today.

Database as a Service DBaaS Providers

Database as a Service DBaaS providers have been out in full swing for a while now and many organizations are suddenly seeing the light and switching to a more optimized managed database solution. Here are some of the main DBaaS providers that can streamline your company:

• Amazon DynamoDB – A fully managed NoSQL database service that provides fast and predictable performance with seamless scalability.
• Google Cloud SQL – Fully managed relational database service for MySQL, PostgreSQL, and other SQL databases with rich extension collections, configuration flags, and developer ecosystems.
• Oracle Database - A relational database management system with added multimodal capabilities that helps customers lower IT costs and deliver a higher quality of service by enabling consolidation onto database clouds.
• MongoDB Atlas - A developer data platform and NoSQL database service that provides an integrated collection of data and application infrastructure building blocks.
• SAP Business Technology Platform – Uses intelligent enterprise applications with database and data management, analytics, integration, and extension capabilities into one platform for both cloud and hybrid environments.
• Azure SQL Database - An SQL relational database that uses the Microsoft SQL Server engine to build data-driven applications and websites in the programming language of your choice.
• DigitalOcean – Uses mission-critical infrastructure and fully managed services to help developers rapidly build, deploy, and scale.
• IBM Db2 – Allows developers, enterprise architects, and data engineers to run low-latency transactions and real-time analytics equipped for the most demanding workloads.

Most of these tools offer fully managed database solutions that integrate seamlessly and efficiently. When choosing your DBaaS framework, the database software and cloud infrastructure do not need to be from the same vendor either – making it easier to customize your infrastructure as you see fit.

The Future of DBaaS

Database as a Service DBaaS models are starting to gain more traction in the industry as more companies choose the more secure, scalable, and affordable route. By 2025, the DBaaS market is expected to grow to US$ 320 billion. This DBaaS framework is showing no signs of stopping or slowing down and will evolve at the same rate as technology and demands for innovation in the field.

We’ve covered the way DBaaS functions, its pros, and cons, and how to choose the right one for your organization. However, it is still up to each company to make the switch to a more optimized infrastructure when the time is right. Sangfor Technologies offers enhanced cloud computing and cybersecurity solutions that will revolutionize the way you approach IT operations forever. Contact Sangfor Technologies today to see how we can help you.

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