Data Management

The Top 5 Cloud Database Management Systems

Discover the top best Cloud Database Management Systems with features like automated backups, scaling capabilities, and query optimization.

Last updated on Jun 24, 2024

Written by Mirren McDade

Technical review by Laura Iannini

The Top 5 Cloud Database Management Solutions include:

1. Azure SQL
2. Oracle OCI Database Management
3. IBM Cloud Database Solutions
4. AWS Cloud Databases
5. SAP HANA Cloud

The sheer volume of data that is generated and collected today is beyond most people’s comprehension. In addition to the sheer amount increasing, the data itself is evermore varied than before. Cloud database are areas where this type of data can be collected and stored. These are often third-party servers that are then accessed through the internet.

Cloud databases offer organizations an alternative (to on-premises) method of storing and accessing their data – one that can conserve and focus information technology resources. Cloud databases can organize and store all structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data, much in the same way a traditional on-premises database would. Cloud databases, however, also provide the additional benefits offered by cloud computing such as scalability, speed, and a reduction in overall cost. However, as organizations scale, there is the added challenge of managing vast amounts of data. This is where a cloud database management system can help.

Cloud database management systems are designed to help businesses organize and manage the data they’re storing in cloud computing environments. They provide all of the functionality you would expect from a traditional database management system, with the added scalability, accessibility, flexibility, and cost efficiency that comes with cloud-based services.

This guide will explore Cloud Database Management to identify the top platforms and highlight their key features. This should make selecting the right cloud database management solution for your organization less of a headache.

Azure SQL

Azure SQL provides a collection of fully-managed SQL database services that offer diverse deployment choices for SQL, ranging from edge devices to cloud environments. Azure SQL ensures a consistent user experience throughout the entire cloud SQL portfolio. Users can migrate their SQL workloads using SQL Servers on Azure Virtual Machines, which allows for a smooth transition while retaining SQL Server compatibility and granting operating system-level access.

The first of Azure’s SQL database services is their Azure SQL Managed Instance solution for businesses looking to modernize their current applications. This intelligent, fully managed service helps update both custom and vendor-provided SQL Server applications efficiently. Next, for those aiming to support up-to-date cloud applications, Azure SQL Database offers an intelligent, fully managed service that features serverless compute and Hyperscale storage capabilities.

Azure SQL Edge extends applications to IoT edge gateways and devices. This functionality enables real-time insights regardless of the connectivity status of the environment, be it connected, disconnected, or hybrid. Additionally, Azure Arc-enabled data services allow users to run Azure SQL both on-site and in multi-cloud setups, expanding its versatility across different deployment scenarios.

Oracle OCI Database Management

Oracle Database Management offers tools designed for comprehensive oversight and management of Oracle Databases. This solution emphasizes fleet monitoring, allowing users to view, monitor, and gain insights into Oracle Databases across compartments or groups. Key functionalities include the Fleet Summary; this facilitates the monitoring of multiple Oracle Database services from one screen, and tools for root cause analysis to identify performance issues. The platform also promotes operational efficiency through automation of routine database tasks.

One of the standout features of the platform is the Database Groups. Users can create groups of Oracle databases, streamlining the monitoring and management process. Within these groups, there are tools available for bulk SQL operations using templates, and management options specifically tailored for container databases and pluggable databases.

Oracle Database Management’s summary capabilities offer insights into performance metrics, like database time and average active sessions. Users can monitor IO throughput, detect bottlenecks, and observe storage usage patterns in both system and user data tablespaces. The platform also emphasizes automation in database tasks, with SQL templates available for running bulk operations across database groups. This function is beneficial for both DevOps teams and developers, allowing them to automate tasks and run custom SQL scripts efficiently across databases.

IBM Cloud Database Solutions

IBM Cloud provides a comprehensive range of managed database solutions tailored for the intricate requirements of application developers, data scientists, and IT architects. With a foundation in a hybrid, open-source method, IBM Cloud’s database solutions form a hybrid data cloud that emphasizes enhanced performance, availability, reach, and cost-effectiveness.

One of the standout features of IBM Cloud’s database solution is the robust security measures in place, securing both in-flight and at-rest data with IBM Cloud Security. Their extensive portfolio encompasses a diverse range of databases suitable for structured and unstructured data, SQL, NoSQL, IoT, and blockchain. IBM also emphasizes a global hybrid cloud scale, utilizing the elasticity and flexibility intrinsic to the IBM Cloud platform. For distributed cloud workloads, several database solutions are compatible with IBM Cloud Satellite, allowing deployment on premises, at edge locations, or even on other cloud platforms.

Some of the key database solutions within IBM Cloud’s offering include Databases for PostgreSQL, Databases for MySQL, and IBM Db2 on Cloud, all designed to deliver high performance, availability, and security. Additional offerings such as IBM Cloudant, Databases for MongoDB, and Hyper Protect DBaaS cater to specific use cases, from fast-growing web applications to environments demanding heightened protection. This wide array of solutions ensures businesses can find a database solution that aligns with their unique requirements.

AWS Cloud Databases

AWS Cloud Databases provides fully managed database solutions designed to meet the needs of modern applications. AWS delivers high-performance, scalable, and distributed database offerings that encompass a range of Purpose-Built Services, AWS Solutions, Partner Solutions, and guidance, ensuring that applications perform optimally.

With over 15 purpose-built engines available, AWS supports a diverse array of data models, ranging from relational and key-value to graph, time series, and ledger databases. This flexibility enables businesses to construct use-case-specific applications that are scalable and distributed. Moreover, AWS eliminates the need for businesses to engage in tedious database tasks such as server provisioning, patching, and backups. Their fully managed service oversees continuous monitoring, self-healing storage, and automated scaling, allowing companies to primarily focus on application development.

Performance and scalability are at the forefront of AWS Cloud Databases. Organizations can start on a smaller scale and expand as required. For businesses that prioritize security and availability, AWS offers multi-region, multi-primary replication, network isolation, and comprehensive encryption, ensuring that enterprise workloads are both reliable and secure. In transitioning to managed databases, companies can streamline database setup, management, and scaling processes, directing more effort towards application development.

SAP HANA Cloud

Serving as the cloud-based foundation for the SAP Business Technology Platform, SAP HANA Cloud is a Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) solution that offers users a comprehensive view of their entire data landscape. This solution integrates various data forms—including on-premise, cloud applications, and third-party platforms—all while ensuring robust data protection with a comprehensive security framework.

With SAP HANA Cloud, developers can craft intelligent data applications with inherent machine-learning capabilities. The platform merges relational, graph, spatial, and JSON document store data into one powerful system. Users can tap into enterprise search, machine learning, and predictive analytics on any data, from any source, ensuring in-depth situational understanding. One of the platform’s standout features is the ability to process real-time analytics at petabyte scales. Additionally, it promotes streamlined data management by running transactions and analytics on a singular data source. As a result, users can gather analytical insights even during operational tasks, enabling immediate and informed decision-making.

SAP HANA Cloud offers flexibility with its support for hybrid systems and compatibility with all significant public clouds. This ensures users aren’t tied down to a single cloud provider and can transition to the cloud at a pace that suits their needs. The platform also offers a smart, multi-model database, which democratizes the creation of intelligent data applications, catering even to those with minimal development experience.

The Top Cloud Database Management Systems - Expert Insights

Everything You Need To Know About Cloud Database Management Systems (FAQs)

What Is A Cloud Database Management System?

A cloud database is a database that helps to organize, store, and manage data within an organization, designed to run in a public or hybrid cloud environment. As with traditional on-premises databases, cloud databases can be classified as either relational databases or non-relational databases.

A relational cloud database consists of several tables of columns and rows, enabling users to organize data into predefined relationships to gain a better understanding of the logical relations between data. The consistency and reliability provided by this structured approach makes it well suited to those dealing with high volumes of structured data.

Alternatively, a non-relational cloud database stores and manages unstructured data, which includes things like sensor data, surveys, rich media files, documents, emails, and mobile text messages, i.e., data that does not follow a clearly laid out and well-defined schema. This makes it harder to structure in a straightforward way.

A cloud database management system (cloud DBMS) is a type of database management system that is designed specifically to function in a cloud computing environments. It’s aim is to provide users with the tools, features, and infrastructure required to create, maintain, and securely manage databases within a cloud platform. Cloud database systems provide all the functionalities you would expect from a traditional database management system, while also having the added benefit of being a cloud computing solution and therefore delivering benefits such as scalability, accessibility, flexibility, and cost efficiency.

How Does A Cloud Database Management System Work?

Cloud database management systems work by leveraging cloud computing infrastructure to provide database functionalities in a way that is accessible, scalable, and cost effective. These solutions are deployed in the cloud and provide users with the necessary infrastructure to host and manage databases. Users of these solutions can create and configure databases via the cloud provider’s managed console, APIs, or command-line tools, and can configure for their chosen type of database and specific resource allocation.

What Features Should You look For In A Cloud Database Management System?

Some important features that a good cloud database management system should offer include:

Scalability. Changes in data volume are inevitable and often difficult to accurately predict, so it is important that your cloud database management is capable of scaling up or down to accommodate these changes, without requiring excessive manual intervention that would take up time and resources.
Multi-tenancy support. Many cloud DBMSs support multi-tenancy; this is a software architecture model that allows for multiple instances of an independent applications within in a shared environment. This multi-tenancy allows multiple users or applications to maintain data insulation and security, while sharing the same database infrastructure.
Reliability, Availability, And Accessibility. A good cloud DBMS solution will typically include some built-in mechanisms that are designed to help ensure high availability and data redundancy, using capabilities like automated backups, failover, and replication. As cloud databases can be accessed from anywhere, they are very accessible, making them well suited to distributed teams, remote workforces, and any organizations requiring global access to data.
Security. Cloud DBMSs typically provide several security features that work to protect data, both at rest and in transit. These may include things like authentication, authorization mechanisms, and encryption.
Automation. A strong cloud DBMS should automate repetitive tasks such as patching, backups, and software updates. This is great for keeping on top of these necessary tasks and for minimizing the operational burden on IT teams.
Manage resources. A good cloud DBMS should include tools that support users in boosting query optimization, ensuring resource allocation is optimal and can support efficient operations, and streamlining the process of managing and monitoring database performance.
Optimization. Cloud database management systems often come with performance monitoring tools that allow you to track the performance of the database, including query execution and resource utilization. Using these metrics, users can analyze and plan for more optimized database performance.

Mirren McDade

Senior Journalist & Content Writer

Mirren McDade is a senior writer and journalist at Expert Insights, spending each day researching, writing, editing and publishing content, covering a variety of topics and solutions, and interviewing industry experts. She is an experienced copywriter with a background in a range of industries, including cloud business technologies, cloud security, information security and cyber security, and has conducted interviews with several industry experts. Mirren holds a First Class Honors degree in English from Edinburgh Napier University.

Laura Iannini

Cybersecurity Analyst

Laura Iannini is an Information Security Engineer. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida. Laura has experience with a variety of cybersecurity platforms and leads technical reviews of leading solutions. She conducts thorough product tests to ensure that Expert Insights’ reviews are definitive and insightful.