Amazon's cloud computing system- also called Amazon Web Services suite (AWS) included only one database option which is SimpleDB. It is basically a simple database with its own unique interface standard. recently Amazon successfully added a more accessible database which is Amazon RDS. The RDS stands for relational database service. This option uses a more standard interface that makes it easier for users to store data through due to the open-source MySQL software. The following paragraphs are going to explain this new database option along with a brief presentation of rivals and software prices.
What makes Amazon RDS a winner are mainly the, full MySQL access feature; this means, the user wont have to install any special software to accommodate the database system while the SimpleRD requires unique software. It is much easier to work with existing software than to try to learn a new one. Furthermore, a database administrator has the ability to port an existing database into the in-cloud database without the need to change the code. This means more flexibility and time efficiency. It's even possible to set separate database instances to different developers without having to spend much on hardware.
One competitor for this service option is indeed Oracle. Being one of the leaders in database market, if Oracle can resolve its issues with the European regulatory concerns, it can definitely put hands on the market. Other competitors are Google App Engine and Microsoft Azure. However, these are all considered to be secondary competitors since no one other than amazon has embedded this database into cloud computing. As for the prices, Amazon RDS costs 11 cents per hour for small databases, 44 cent per hour for large, and $3.10 per hour for quadruple extra large.
In conclusion, companies have started to worry about the security of their assets/information and records. This could only predict that the switch for cloud computing; hence in-cloud databases are on the way.
Thanks for this interesting post.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like the way technology develops. Hopefully Amazon won't loose data in the cloud like T-Mobile's sidekick...
Ahmed,
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I was just on Amazon's site looking for web service ideas for my individual project and discovered their Web Services Suite. It's not a place I would think to look for technology but they sure have come a long way and it's amazing they are paving the way with an in-cloud database.