Cloud databases: Efficient solutions for data management

A cloud database is a database that is not operated on a local server, but in a cloud computing environment. This means that the data is stored, managed and accessed via the internet, either in a public cloud, a private cloud or a hybrid cloud. For a user or an application, cloud databases function in a similar way to a classic, local database, i.e. they organize and store structured and unstructured data, but offer additional advantages such as speed, scalability and lower costs thanks to cloud computing technology.

A distinction is made between different types of cloud databases, including relational databases such as MySQL or PostgreSQL. They are used for working with structured data, such as tables. NoSQL databases such as MongoDB or DynamoDB provide support when working with larger volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data. Finally, there are specialized solutions for analyses or machine learning, such as data warehouses and data lakes. Cloud databases are particularly attractive for companies that want to use their IT resources more efficiently in day-to-day business, react more quickly to changes and store, process and analyze particularly large volumes of data flexibly and from any location.

STACKIT is your German cloud provider that offers secure, GDPR-compliant cloud solutions from its own German and Austrian data centers. Originally developed for in-house use, STACKIT offers tried-and-tested and flexible IT solutions – ranging from infrastructure to individual cloud services. The company, which is part of the Schwarz Group, places a strong focus on European data sovereignty and independence from global providers. In this way, STACKIT aims to create a digital ecosystem for more growth and innovation in Europe.

The most important definitions of cloud databases in this article

Cloud database: A database that is not operated on your own local servers, but in the cloud (i.e. on the cloud provider’s servers). The database can be run in a public cloud, a private cloud or a hybrid cloud.
Cloud computing service: Flexible and needs-based provision of IT resources such as servers, storage or software via the internet.
Cloud infrastructure: Technical resources (storage, servers, network) provided by the cloud provider via the web. The cloud infrastructure is the basis for cloud computing and therefore for the function of a cloud database.
Database management system (DBMS): Software used to manage, control and organize the cloud database. It serves as an interface between the users or applications and the database. DBMS controls access to data and thus ensures its integrity and security. Well-known examples of such software include MySQL and Oracle Database.
AWS: The abbreviation stands for Amazon Web Services and is one of the largest cloud platforms in the world. Amazon Web Services offers numerous services such as cloud databases, computing power and storage solutions.
Storage engine: In cloud databases, this is the central component of a DBMS that is responsible for physically storing, reading, changing and deleting the data on a data carrier. The storage engine communicates with the operating system’s file system and processes all read and write operations.
Database access language: This is a special language with which users can query, change or delete data in the database. The best-known example is SQL (Structured Query Language).
Enterprise applications: These are important programs for large companies that are used for daily tasks such as accounting, customer management or analysis of business data.
Lock manager: A component of DBMS that ensures that multiple users or processes can access the database simultaneously without conflicts or data errors occurring. The lock manager ensures consistency through managed locks.
Log Manager: This is also a DBMS component that records all changes to the data to ensure traceability and enable recovery in the event of an error.
DBaaS (Database as a Service): A cloud service model in which the cloud provider takes over the complete management, provision and maintenance of a database. Users only have to worry about the data and its use.
Scalability: Possibility to increase or decrease the size of the database as required, without great effort and without compromising performance.

The advantages of cloud databases with STACKIT at a glance

Cloud databases with STACKIT offer companies many advantages, especially in terms of security, flexibility and compliance:

Data sovereignty and compliance

STACKIT guarantees companies that all data is stored and processed exclusively in Germany and Austria. STACKIT therefore meets the strict GDPR criteria and requirements of European data protection laws. Your own data is therefore effectively protected from access by third parties outside the EU.

Security

STACKIT offers ISO/IEC 27001-certified data centers, encryption, role-based access control and secure data isolation. This keeps sensitive data protected and confidential.

Scaling and performance

STACKIT databases are flexibly scalable and can store and provide large amounts of data efficiently. The platform supports various database solutions such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, OpenSearch, MariaDB or Redis, which can be flexibly adapted to business requirements.

Independence from global providers

Companies reduce dependencies on cloud providers and retain full control over all data and infrastructure with STACKIT.

Economic stability

As part of the Schwarz Group, which also includes Lidl and Kaufland, STACKIT stands for long-term reliability, sustainable operation and economic strength.

Seamless integration

Cloud databases can be easily integrated into existing IT applications and support modern technologies such as Kubernetes.

Simple management and cost transparency of the products

STACKIT takes care of services such as database maintenance, updates and backups. Billing for the cloud environment is transparent and usage-based.

What exactly are cloud databases and what are their functions?

Cloud databases are databases that do not run on their own servers, but in the cloud – i.e. via the internet. They store, manage and organize data in the same way as traditional databases, but offer additional benefits thanks to the cloud infrastructure. They are scalable, flexible and usually more cost-efficient, as users only have to pay for the applications and resources they actually use.

Cloud databases offer all the central functions of traditional databases, such as data storage, data queries (e.g. via SQL or NoSQL APIs), security (encryption and access rights), regular backups and replication (data copying to multiple servers for fail-safety). The dynamic adaptability and scalability of the database resources is another plus point. Another advantage is the high availability, as database services can be run around the clock.

Cloud databases are used for many applications, from web stores and business software to mobile apps and data-intensive applications such as big data analysis. Many cloud databases also offer APIs and integrations that speed up development.

The different types of cloud databases

Cloud databases can be classified into two types:

Relational cloud databases

These organize information in tables consisting of columns and rows. Each table contains data on a specific topic and the relationships between the tables make it possible to map logical connections between different data sets. Such databases generally use a fixed data schema. The Structured Query Language (SQL) can be used for data queries and data processing. Relational cloud databases score highly in terms of reliability and consistency and are an excellent choice for processing large volumes of structured data. Oracle, SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Cloud Spanner and Cloud SQL are examples of relational databases.

Non-relational cloud databases

These are often referred to as NoSQL databases – are designed to store and manage various unstructured data such as texts from emails, mobile message texts, documents, videos, images and sensor data. These databases do not follow a fixed schema or tabular structure. The data can therefore be stored and managed flexibly in its original form without having to be converted into a specific format beforehand. MongoDB, Hbase, Redis, Cassandra and Bigtable are examples of non-relational databases.

Tips, tricks & important information about cloud databases with STACKIT

Use distributed architecture: Create distributed databases to guarantee scalability and reliability. In this way, large amounts of data can be processed efficiently and made available worldwide.
Targeted selection of cloud services: Choose cloud services carefully! Providers such as Google Cloud offer specialized cloud database services, such as Cloud SQL. Google Cloud is a leading cloud platform that offers fully managed relational database services and also provides non-relational database services. Data from Google Workspace can be exported manually if required and then imported into STACKIT databases or storage solutions.
Use open source technologies: Numerous cloud databases are based on open source engines such as MySQL or PostgreSQL. This makes migration, integration and customization easier.
Security measures: Focus on security, i.e. encryption, access controls and secure authentication for effective protection of all company data and information.
Automation for failure protection: Rely on automated backups, updates and monitoring tools to detect and react to failures at an early stage.
Plan a database for enterprise applications: Choose an architecture that supports multi-cloud and hybrid cloud scenarios to be able to react flexibly to new requirements.
Best practices: Follow the recommendations of cloud providers such as Google to ensure performance and comply with limits.
Execution and application: Integrate the cloud database directly into web or mobile applications and take advantage of the constant availability of data.
Data management strategies: Develop data retention and deletion strategies to control costs and meet compliance.

STACKIT as a European cloud database solution that convinces

Cloud databases are a modern solution for data management. They enable rapid development, high reliability and flexible use – perfect for companies that want to keep their data and applications available at all times and from any location. Cloud databases enable companies of all sizes to implement modern intelligence and analysis applications securely and flexibly.

STACKIT is positioning itself as a professional European cloud alternative and offers major advantages, especially for companies that place a high value on data protection and compliance. While other providers are particularly attractive for globally active companies due to their worldwide infrastructure and huge selection of specialized analysis and database services, STACKIT focuses on GDPR compliance and data sovereignty.

One important aspect is compatibility: STACKIT offers support for the AWS S3 API so that a company’s existing automations, tools and workflows can be easily adopted. This facilitates migration and parallel operation in multi-cloud environments. With STACKIT’s cloud databases, the Storage Engine is the central component responsible for storing, reading and managing data in the cloud. It determines how your data is stored and retrieved within the STACKIT infrastructure.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about cloud databases

How do providers manage and maintain cloud databases?

Cloud providers take over the central administration and maintenance of the entire database infrastructure for cloud databases in the so-called managed service or DBaaS model (Database as a Service). In the managed model, the cloud provider provides tools for management, monitoring and recovery, while the customer can concentrate fully on the use and actual data management. The providers therefore take over the provision, monitoring, scaling, regular updates, security patches and backups of the databases. This means that companies no longer have to worry about hardware, operating systems or database software themselves, but benefit from automated processes.

What support does STACKIT offer?

STACKIT offers comprehensive business support for cloud databases, including 24/7 customer service and an extensive knowledge database. Customers receive expert personal advice and technical support via hotline. As a managed service, STACKIT also takes care of maintenance and backups so that companies can concentrate on their core business.

Does STACKIT offer NoSQL databases as products?

Yes, STACKIT offers the provision of NoSQL databases as a managed service.

How do I access the STACKIT databases?

STACKIT uses comprehensive identity and rights management to access cloud databases. Only authorized persons or services that are authorized by the customer may access the databases. The customer therefore manages and controls all access rights.