NoSQL Database: Advantages and Disadvantages

Relational databases were the only choice for data management for a long time. However, with the increasing dependence of industries on data for decision-making, the need for faster and more flexible technologies became apparent. Relational databases could not handle the massive wave of unstructured data coming from different sources. That is where NoSQL databases came into the picture.

Not Only SQL-NoSQL databases are designed to efficiently handle unstructured data. These NoSQL databases help developers to store and analyze data without being confined to the requirements of strict structural standards. And today with numerous NoSQL variants available, companies do not have to opt for one but can just select the best one for themselves.

The NoSQL market worldwide has been estimated by thorough analysis as being significant in rate. From approximately USD 11.9 billion of 2024, it reaches about USD 81.9 billion by the end of 2033 and is expected to generate a CAGR of 23.9% in between, mainly driven by soaring demand for scaling and flexible data solutions for management purposes to sustain the needs.

Where do relational databases fall short?

Relational databases emerged in late 20th century when there was no sign of internet, mobile computing, cloud, and other technologies that have become an inseparable part of today’s economy. These databases used to run on big servers and strictly suitable for use-cases when the data was purely structured. However with the advent of digitization relational databases started lacking to keep up with changing requirements of the fast-paced technology world.

IDC says that approximately 90% of all data produced this decade would be unorganized and unstructured.

The reason behind this failure was the constraints associated with the relational databases. Some of the reasons that took relational databases to lag behind were:

• Scaling-up the system was difficult
• Pre-defining the data was imperative
• Suitable for structured data format only
• Strict data models restricted the system from becoming agile

NoSQL databases resolve these issues as these have a dynamic structure which allows the systems to be responsive and agile.

How can NoSQL databases ramp-up your business?

Till yet we learned the reasons that worked as a catalyst for the failure of relational databases. However this is not completely true as relational databases still have a fair share of the market however NoSQL drew the attention of many companies which wanted to deal with big data. Some of the NoSQL advantages are-

Make the system agile- NoSQl databases work on a dynamic model that allows storing and maintaining data without defining it beforehand. This makes the faster and responsive than ever before.

Easy scaling- Scaling up the relational databases were complex and expensive. Unlike this the NoSQL databases can easily be scaled-up and down as per the workload as these have a dynamic architecture offering much more operational benefits than RDBMS.

Is learning NoSQL database good for your career?

Of course! The drastic shift in technology to next-gen innovations have obligated the companies to adopt NoSQL to match with this ever-changing environment. Companies limited to analytics are now keen on deploying big data clusters to sustain in this cut-throat competition. This has led the NoSQL architectures to gain immense popularity over the years.

NoSQL Market is expected to garner $4.2 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 35.1% during the forecast period 2014-2020. – AlliedMarketResearch

Source: AlliedMarketResearch

According to a research conducted by Bentley University on over 40,000 job sites NoSQL is 4th most preferred technology by the companies offering 1,002% jobs to the aspirants. On the other hand Oracle stands at the 8th position offering 382% jobs.

Source: Indeed.com

Above graph clearly portrays that the Job trends for NoSQL databases like MongoDB and Cassandra have seen tremendous growth from 2012-2016.

The average salaries of NoSQL professionals illustrate the kind of opportunities available in this field. You can also be one of them. Get certified in NoSQL storage architectures and grab the high-paying jobs in no time. Intellipaat brings an array of NoSQL online certification courses that train you in a professional fashion by the top-class trainers. Industry-recognized certification with hands-on experience lets you outshine others.