An individual may wonder what exactly NoSQL databases are, along with the relevance they have in day-to-day life. NoSQL (“not only SQL”) databases are non-relational data storage systems, which store information uniquely when compared to relational databases. Specifically, NoSQL databases support semi-structured (unstructured) data and can handle “Big” data with greater performance. “Not only SQL” databases have the capability of processing structured and unstructured data, easing the usefulness for users. Increased functionality, capacity, and fault tolerance are just a few reasons why a company may choose to incorporate these databases.
In Data Analytics (MIS 2502), we used a NoSQL database called MongoDB, created by 10gen. MongoDB is an open-source, document-oriented database design. Within the database, individuals can store BSON documents in a schema-less structure. Before covering the material on MongoDB, we covered concepts related to relational databases, along with the utilization they provide. After performing numerous queries, I was able to have a clear understanding of the reasoning behind utilizing NoSQL databases, rather than SQL databases. We learned how to combine sources of data using methods of aggregation. The Data Analytics course taught us that the architecture behind MongoDB and other NoSQL databases allows for the handling of “big data”. When companies need to implement large data volume, NoSQL eases the functionality, improving overall performance.
A NoSQL database enables enhanced results for many companies and practices throughout the world. An example of a NoSQL database being applied in practice would be PayPal. A worldwide leader in online payment solutions, PayPal began to integrate Couchbase in 2013 for several reasons. The NoSQL database allowed the company to collect data and analytics in profiling, segmentation, and identification mapping. Within just one year, PayPal was able to manage over one billion documents and ten terabytes of data using the database. After seeing astonishing success in a short period, the electronic commerce company began to extend its usage of Couchbase. PayPal managed analytics of user information by incorporating Kafka, Hadoop, and Couchbase. The programs permitted the company to process millions of updates within minutes. NoSQL databases are widely used throughout different companies to process and store data.
Works Cited:
“PayPal.” Couchbase, https://www.couchbase.com/customers/paypal.
“What Is Nosql? NoSQL Databases Explained.” MongoDB, https://www.mongodb.com/nosql-explained.
