In this ever-changing world, it’s crucial to invest in the right technology for your business. Database hosting is a common choice among business owners, thanks to its consistent developments and abundant benefits. A Forbes Business Council post on databases also attributes this to how modern businesses are prioritizing non-linearity and real-time insights to help them maximize their data. But it can be hard to understand how it matters early on in the venture, especially if you’re running a small business.
Here’s everything you need to know about database hosting and its use in businesses:
The History of Database Hosting
Database hosting isn’t anything new – in fact, it’s been around since the 1960s, when Charles Bachman designed the first database management system (DBMS). As the popularization of computers led them to become faster and more flexible, general-use database systems also became widely available. During the late 80s and 90s, the rise of the world wide web led databases to become full decision-making systems that allow for new data workflows, governance, and control over one’s business.
How Database Hosting Works
From the mid-2000s onwards, cloud computing has made databases hostable even on virtual machines which businesses and their teams can access from anywhere. So how exactly have businesses benefited from database hosting? It’s easy enough to gather information through channels such as your business’s social media accounts, websites, and physical stores, among others. But instead of storing and running applications on a self-operated infrastructure, database hosting is a more efficient alternative.
An article on ‘What is Database Hosting?’ by MongoDB explains that modern database hosting involves a third party that is responsible for the hardware and infrastructure to run a client’s preferred database. This third party also takes on the task of configuring the environment to ensure secure access and resources that are needed to scale the database. But this doesn’t mean that you’ll lose the ability to customize the number of features and the level of support you require – you’ll have even more options for scaling and maintenance.
Types of Database Hosting
There are different types of database systems, and they all differ primarily in structure. Here is a brief description of each type.
- Full-Text Database – This is most commonly used for organizing relational database management systems (RDBMS), and is the simplest form. One example of such would be a collection of documents.
- Desktop Database – This type is able to store a large amount of data, but is often intended for a single user. One example would be MS Excel.
- Relational Database – When databases are discussed, people often refer to relational databases. This type enables multiple users to access data while still maintaining a high level of security.
- NoSQL Database – A more unique type of database that stores data in a non-tabular form.
- Object-Oriented Database – Similar to NoSQL, this is a unique database that can work with more complex data objects.
Practical Applications for Businesses
Database hosting makes running a database easier. For instance, Kinsta customers are able to run applications that use Node.js, Python, Java, and the like, even if they aren’t well-versed in programming languages. Businesses can also reduce expenses because, unlike traditional databases, most providers allow for a scalable and flexible plan that only requires you to spend on what you need. Lastly, hosting providers put their names on the line, which is why they prioritize monitoring your servers and keeping them safe.
The Future of Database Hosting
Database hosting has become very accessible, which is why its market is also an extensive one. The top companies like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure continue to rule the playing field, but we also see that many others are on the rise. That said, business owners should make sure to take their time in choosing the most suitable option for their business, and look into the pros and cons of each one. It’s also a good idea to try out free tiers as they look into investing in database hosting and work their way up.
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