Introduction
Rapid technological innovations are continuously enhancing the way we manage data. As businesses grow, so does the need to manage large volumes of data. This is where cloud computing plays a crucial role. Cloud databases have become mainstream today, and this is evident from the fact that cloud infrastructure services expenditure reached US$65.8 billion worldwide in 2022, indicating a 23% projected increase for 2023. Many organizations and businesses use standardized cloud databases to organize, store, and manage data. In this blog, we will look at the best cloud databases for 2024.
What is a Cloud Database?
Businesses in different industries need to manage a huge amount of data. The best cloud database services solve this major challenge of storing data and information. A cloud database is a database hosted and managed by a cloud service provider. Cloud database service providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and GCP help users store, manage, and access their data online.
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Why Use a Cloud Database?
Cloud databases eliminate the need for on-premises infrastructure and maintenance. The databases can be used to scale resources up or down based on individual needs. As a result, users can pay only for the resources used. The best cloud databases offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, as well as built-in features for data security, backup, and disaster recovery.
Read More: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATABASES?
The Best Cloud Databases in 2024
1. Google Cloud Platform
Gartner Rating: 4.5/5
Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is one of the best cloud database platforms offered by Google with innovative solutions for enterprise generative AI apps. Google Cloud offers detailed documentation for its NoSQL database and relational database options.
Pros of Google Cloud
- Offers diverse cloud computing services, including storage, ML, and AI
- Allows live migrations of virtual machines during maintenance events
- Allows quick collaboration for multiple users
- Offers a monthly pricing plan and committed use discounts
- Offers IAM, KMS, and SCC to ensure data security
Cons of Google Cloud
- Application engine limited to Java, Python, PHP, and Go
- Might be more expensive than traditional hosting platforms
- Offers relatively fewer data centers globally
- Limited and expensive customer support
- Limited customization options for its products
Top Google Cloud Use Cases
- Deploying BigQuery to store raw data for big data and analytics pipelines
- Host static websites by storing HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web assets
- Store and distribute static content like images, videos, and downloadable files
- Facilitate data migration from on-premises systems to the Cloud
2. Microsoft Azure
Gartner Rating: 4.3/5
This cloud computing platform was first released in February 2010 by Microsoft. Azure’s relational database allows users to access SQL databases either on Microsoft Cloud or on hosted servers on virtual machines. Azure offers databases, analytics, computing, networking, AI, and IoT services. It also offers Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions.
Pros of Microsoft Azure Cloud
- Offers high availability and redundancy in data centers
- Has multiple data security compliance certifications
- Offers easy scalability with minimal computing power
- Is cost-effective as it allows pay-as-you-go pricing
Cons of Microsoft Azure Cloud
- Requires expert management and maintenance
- Requires platform expertise to make all parts work efficiently
Top Microsoft Azure Use Cases
- Improved patient engagement and operations for healthcare organizations
- Efficient customer experience for banking clients
- Better tracking and delivery facilities for manufacturing industry clients
- Optimized supply chains for retail industry clients
3. MongoDB Atlas
Gartner Rating: 4.5/5
It is popular as a go-to NoSQL database management system. It has a variety of services and tools for developers and Data Scientists. MongoDB Atlas allows multi-cloud deployment and is used in mobile application projects.
Pros of MongoDB Atlas
- Offers automated security features
- Has multiple-server support for constant availability
- Offers backups and timely recovery of data
- Has automated patching and one-click upgrades
- Allows users to choose their complementary tools
Cons of MongoDB Atlas
- Does not support joining document feature
- Incorrect indexing causes a drastic drop in speed
- Has limited data size and nesting
- Leads to data duplication causing corruption
- Consumes large memory
Top MongoDB Atlas Use Cases
- Deploy serverless applications with reduced cognitive load
- Maintain data for player profiles and leaderboards for gaming clients
- Help Canva store and serve a variety of content
- Upgrade OTTO’s catalog for personalized shopping experience
4. Oracle
Gartner Rating: 4.2/5
Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) is a robust and scalable cloud computing platform offered by Oracle Corporation. OCI allows users to build, test and deploy applications on the Cloud. Oracle database architecture follows a client-server model, with the database server and client connections running in separate processes. Its comprehensive suite of cloud services, high-performance infrastructure, advanced security features, and flexible deployment options enables organizations to accelerate their digital transformation journey.
Pros of Oracle
- Offers high-performance computing
- Automatically scales based on capacity highs and lows
- Offers data encryption and advanced IAM features.
- Comes with built-in tools for backup and recovery
- Supports a wide range of integrated cloud services
- Can be integrated with other cloud providers
Cons of Oracle
- Initial cost of setting up an Oracle Cloud database can be high
- Migration from other cloud providers can be difficult
- Limited options for third-party software and services
- Fewer global reach compared to other major cloud providers
Top Oracle Use Cases
- Improve revenue forecasting and recognition for an insurance client
- Reliable disaster recovery with Oracle IaaS for an imaging solutions client
- Financial planning & analytics with Oracle EPBCS for an oncology company
- Global business processes automation for Pango Group
5. IBM Db2 on Cloud
Gartner Rating: 4.3/5
It is a fully managed cloud SQL database that allows users to deploy, develop, and run cloud-native databases on the go. IBM Db2 makes sure that mission critical data, analytics and AI-driven applications are always up and running.
Pros of IBM Db2 on Cloud
- Offers support for integration with public cloud vendors
- Offers rich monitoring and metrics for better customer experience
- Comes with a migration assistant that makes database migration easier
Cons of IBM Db2 on Cloud
- Could have more built-in analytics functions
- Inadequate documentation and support
- Limited support for modern frameworks and languages
Top IBM Db2 on Cloud Use Cases
- Connect web, mobile, and cloud applications with the IBM Db2 database
- Develop new applications that support Java, Ruby, .NET and other programming languages
- Enable multiple high-performing workloads running against the same database
- Enable faster data retrieval with scalable storage
6. Amazon Web Service (AWS)
Gartner Rating: 4.5/5
AWS is a popular offering by Amazon and has a variety of cloud computing solutions for individuals, organizations, and governments. AWS cloud computing services have more than 200 fully featured services
Pros of AWS
- Easy to use with quick and secure access
- Flexibility with respect to solutions and migration
- Allows pay-as-you-go pricing
- Offers high-performance computing services
- Offers highly secure infrastructure to ensure data privacy
- Offers scalable and flexible services even for constrained resources
Cons of AWS
- Default resource limits are not the same for all regions
- Needs highly skilled professionals to handle its complex infrastructure
Top AWS Use Cases
- Store and serve images and data for Airbnb through Amazon S3 and Amazon EC2
- Hosting Netflix’s streaming service using Amazon EC2
- Host Unilever’s websites, manage its content, and analyze its data
- Use Amazon EC2 to run image analysis software for NASA
7. DataStax Astra
Gartner Rating: 5/5
It is a NoSQL cloud database based on Apache Cassandra. DataStax Astra offers native, hybrid, and multi-cloud services. It enables developers to build and deploy modern applications with ease, leveraging the power of Apache Cassandra without the operational overhead.
Pros of DataStax Astra
- Allows real-time data application creation in multiple APIs and languages
- Offers data replication across regions and availability zones
- Offers high availability to build enterprise-ready Generative AI
- Offers easy deployment across multiple clouds through its robust backend platform
Cons of DataStax Astra
- Pay-as-you-go pricing model can make long-term costs unpredictable
- Data Migration into Astra DB is complex
- UI for management tools is not user-friendly
Top DataStax Astra Use Cases
- Personalize recommendations for customers through real-time Customer 360 data
- Offer scalable and efficient data management solutions for IoT applications
- Offer real-time and open data management solutions for e-commerce product catalogs
- Modernize and make more secure infrastructures for financial services
8. Rackspace
Gartner Rating: 4.3/5
It is a cloud computing company that offers managed hosting, public and private cloud, and hybrid cloud environments. Rackspace is known to offer 24×7 support known as ‘fanatical support.’ It has data centers and offices located across multiple locations globally.
Pros of Rackspace
- Has few instances of website downtime
- Offers flexibility with complex topologies
- Offers customization of infrastructure configurations and support services
- Offers highly scalable servers and independent storage
Cons of Rackspace
- Poor customer support during outages
- Lack of clarity with backup tools
- Premium services come at a higher cost
- Limited support with policies about patching or hacking
Top Rackspace Use Cases
- Help Chess.com expand from a private data center into a private cloud platform
- Help IFCO move from on-premises legacy hardware to flexible cloud services
- Facilitating cross-industry collaboration and growth for HSK Industries
- Help BMG manage large volumes of data generated on his digital music platform
9. Redis Enterprise Cloud
Gartner Rating: 4.6/5
It is a fully managed cloud database service offered by Redis Labs. It helps businesses deploy and manage Redis databases effortlessly with minimum concern about infrastructure management or operational overhead.
Pros of Redis Enterprise Cloud
- Offers data persistence, automatic failover, and multi-region replication
- Can be integrated with other cloud platforms, such as AWS and Microsoft Azure
- Offers fast in-memory data storage and processing
- Provides built-in features for high availability
Cons of Redis Enterprise Cloud
- Is expensive compared to other self-managed or open-source Redis solutions
- Demands skilled expertise for the maintenance of its complex infrastructure
- Limited customizations for some use cases
Top Redis Enterprise Cloud Use Cases
- Implementation of a system to speed up response time for Staples
- Faster data processing systems for LifeLock Inc.
- Maintenance of user-sensitive records for Etermax
- Decrease in downtime from about an hour to zero for Netmeds
10. EDB Postgres Advanced Server
Gartner Rating: 4.4/5
It is one of the most popular NoSQL cloud database solution products. EDB Postgres Advanced Server is an advanced deployment of the PostgreSQL relational database. It is known to handle large amounts of data and provide robust security features, helping users to seamlessly manage and scale their data workloads.
Pros of EDB Postgres Advanced Server
- Includes tools for debugging
- Has libraries for preferred languages
- Provides JSON and XML support
- Compatible with PPAS Oracle
Cons of EDB Postgres Advanced Server
- Scattered documentation
- Backup and recovery tools poor compared to Oracle
- Many custom add-ons not part of the default installation
Top EDB Postgres Advanced Server Use Cases
- Implementing the infinite cache feature for a Clear Capital
- Automating insurance policy systems for a major US-based insurance provider
- Application modernization and re-architecting for Ericsson
11. SAP HANA Cloud
Gartner Rating: 4.3/5
It is an in-memory cloud database as a service (DBaaS) solution. It offers a great service for modern applications and analytics across all enterprise data. SAP HANA can process large amounts of real-time data with its in-memory database technology. It can process both SAP and non-SAP relational databases in a very short time.
Pros of SAP HANA Cloud
- Provides efficient complex analytical tools
- Offers multi-latency and full ACID compliance
- Offers parallel processing, performance optimization and integration
Cons of SAP HANA Cloud
- Poor documentation and higher costs
- Third-party application integration not easy
- Limited compatibility with certified hardware
Top SAP HANA Use Cases
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Application and IT infrastructure security
- Asset operation and maintenance
- Business planning and consolidation
- Human resource management
12. OpenStack
Gartner Rating: 4.6/5
It is a cloud operating system that allows users to control large pools of compute, storage, and networking resources throughout a datacenter. OpenStack has all the components needed to create a cloud environment. Common authentication mechanisms provide and manage these services through APIs. Since it is broken into smaller parts, users can use components based on their requirements.
Pros of OpenStack
- Supports both relational and non-relational database engines
- Offers high data security and reliability
- Provides scalable storage volume and performance
- Supports high distribution and acceptance
Cons of OpenStack
- Requires experts to figure out the multiple configurations
- Limited documentation and organized support
- Possible network problems when using VMWare along with OpenStack
Top OpenStack Use Cases
- Help Baidu reduce costs by enabling resource sharing
- Provide Kakao with a hybrid cloud environment and speed up its developing cycles
- Help Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) build a cancer genome collaboratory
- Provide the University of Edinburgh with more flexible self-served computing services
Conclusion
Cloud databases have a lot to offer to organizations seeking cost-effective, cutting-edge technology solutions to scale their businesses. Whether you need to store and manage large volumes of data in real–time or migrate from an existing database to a new one, cloud databases offer an array of options, each with its unique strengths and capabilities. As a business owner, this is your time to leverage these top cloud databases. As a developer curious about the Cloud, this is your cue to sign up with Olibr to know more!
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FAQs
A cloud service provider allows you to use cloud-based platforms, infrastructures, applications, and storage services.
You can build a career in Cloud Computing by adding cloud computing certifications to your educational qualifications and building a portfolio of your own projects.
Oracle Cloud offers around 51.2 TB of capacity per instance and 5.5M IOPS at low 10 to 100 microsecond latency.
- Alibaba Cloud
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Microsoft Azure
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
