Managed Database: how to choose the right type of storage
This article will highlight the main differentiators when choosing the storage type for your managed database.
BuildNour ZERHOUNI5 min read
Managed vs. Serverless databases: choosing the right solution to maximize flexibility and minimize costs
Databases are fundamental to cloud infrastructure, serving as the backbone for data storage and management. In recent years, the landscape of database management has undergone a transformation, influenced by the increasing adoption of cloud technologies and the need for greater scalability and cost efficiency.
Selecting the right solution is therefore pivotal for optimizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between managed and serverless databases, and guide you through the key considerations needed to choose the right solution for your needs.
Understanding the database landscape
Serverless technologies are emerging as a significant trend, offering a model where the cloud provider dynamically manages the infrastructure. This model supports automatic scaling, which is crucial for handling variable workloads and removing frequent database resizing activities. Serverless infrastructures are particularly relevant for applications with unpredictable and ephemeral scaling needs, as can be experienced by businesses with seasonal demand. Until recently, Serverless versions were primarily available for NoSQL databases, but an increasing number of solutions now offer Serverless SQL databases.
Managed databases, meanwhile, continue to hold a strong position in the market. Recent analysis suggests that managed databases are favored by enterprises seeking stability and control, especially when dealing with mission-critical applications that require guaranteed uptime and consistent performance. These databases allow for detailed configuration and optimization, which can be crucial for complex or legacy systems.
Key considerations in choosing a database solution
Between Managed and Serverless databases, which are right for your needs? We've put together this handy table to find out!
Managed databases | Serverless databases | |
|---|---|---|
Workload characteristics | Ideal for steady, predictable workloads where performance consistency is paramount. They offer stability with pre-allocated resources. | Best suited for dynamic, variable workloads, such as those seen in e-commerce, media, and businesses with high seasonality and/or peaks of traffic within a day. They remove the need for manual intervention when it comes to scaling the database, providing cost savings and efficiency. |
Cost management | Capacity is fixed and must be forecasted in advance. When appropriately sized, costs become predictable. However, ensuring sufficient capacity and consistent performance often leads to overprovisioning and increased expenses. | Offer cost efficiency by only charging for the resources used, making it attractive for cost-sensitive projects and unpredictable workloads. |
Scalability and Flexibility | Require manual scaling, which can be time-consuming and may not be responsive to sudden demand changes. Down or upscaling operations usually require downtime, which may impact user experience or require operations outside of business hours. | Automatically scale resources, providing flexibility and minimizing the need for manual intervention. |
Control and Customization | Offer more control over configurations and optimizations, which is crucial for specific performance requirements or to use advanced features. | Offer simplicity and ease of use, which can accelerate deployment times and reduce management overhead. However, they are less customizable, as some advanced "stateful" features available in PostgreSQL databases are incompatible with a scale-down-to-zero architecture. These features, such as “LISTEN /NOTIFY”, require the database engine to be running to store the state in memory. Additionally, because the service is fully managed, the serverless infrastructure may feel like a "black box". |
Aligning database solutions with business needs
The choice between managed and serverless databases hinges on your specific needs and objectives. Managed databases provide a more traditional, control-oriented approach, suited for stable workloads. They offer the typical benefits of the cloud, with features similar to self-hosted databases.
In contrast, serverless infrastructures offer a cost-effective solution and innovation in scalability, ideal for dynamic and evolving use cases. However, they restrict the use of specific advanced features, as they’re not yet compatible with autoscaling.
Interested in exploring Scaleway’s cloud database solutions? Learn more about our Managed SQL and Serverless SQL offering to elevate your cloud infrastructure. You can also learn more about Serverless databases in this article.
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