Question

What is the appeal of NoSQL databases and what pushes companies to move toward implementing them?

Answer
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There are many reasons why companies might want to make a move to a NoSQL database and away from traditional relational database systems. Companies might embrace NoSQL because the technology is more scalable, or for easier data retrieval. NoSQL systems may also be able to better handle the enormous volumes of data in a big data analytics project. NoSQL is also often able to better accommodate real-time data input and output.

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In addition, NoSQL can be useful with data types that are not conventional or formatted in traditional ways. For example, a NoSQL database setup can be superior to a traditional relational database for dealing with a high volumes of non-transactional data transfers. Approaches like key value store setups, which are inherent in some NoSQL tools, can make it easier to direct data operations when database contents don't fit into a neatly tabulated traditional table of data.

NoSQL may have all of these benefits over relational databases, but some experts also caution about the need to assess adoption on a case-by-case basis. Cost can be a mitigating factor, and immediate consistency for database contents has been cited as an additional concern.

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Justin Stoltzfus
Contributor
Justin Stoltzfus
Contributor

Justin Stoltzfus is an independent blogger and business consultant assisting a range of businesses in developing media solutions for new campaigns and ongoing operations. He is a graduate of James Madison University.Stoltzfus spent several years as a staffer at the Intelligencer Journal in Lancaster, Penn., before the merger of the city’s two daily newspapers in 2007. He also reported for the twin weekly newspapers in the area, the Ephrata Review and the Lititz Record.More recently, he has cultivated connections with various companies as an independent consultant, writer and trainer, collecting bylines in print and Web publications, and establishing a reputation…