NoSQL Databases Explained: Advantages, Types, and Use Cases

NoSQL databases are non-relational database management systems that store and retrieve data without using traditional table-based relational database structures. They are designed to handle large volumes of unstructured or semi-structured data, offering flexibility, scalability, and high performance for specific types of data models and use cases.

With so many different ways to store and retrieve data, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with your options. Fortunately, NoSQL databases are a practical option for adding structure to your datasets.

NoSQL originally meant “Not SQL” but has come to mean "Not Only SQL," because many NoSQL databases now support SQL, or at least a SQL-like language. NoSQL databases are similar to relational databases in terms of convenience. However, they’re a type of non-relational database that doesn’t use columns, rows, or tables to organize data.

If a database fully supports relational as well as some NoSQL, or supports more than one NoSQL, then it is referred to as “Multi-Model.” For instance, InterSystems IRIS® is both relational and NoSQL and is a multi-model database.

A NoSQL database stores data in a flexible, schema-less structure, providing enhanced speed and scalability that can significantly benefit your business.

So should you use a NoSQL database or not? This article will break down the benefits, drawbacks, and whether or not you should make the switch.

NoSQL databases are becoming a more popular solution among businesses who need to manage large volumes of data. Since it works well with unstructured data sets, it’s particularly well-suited to newer businesses.

Did you know two-thirds of the value created in a new business comes from scaling? NoSQL databases offer a unique model of horizontal vs. vertical scaling that helps businesses grow. One of the limitations of some SQL databases is how they can only scale vertically. For example, if you’re running low on memory for your datasets, you’ll have to update your hardware. This result can be difficult if you’re receiving a higher-than-average volume of customers and growing at an exponential rate.

A NoSQL database provides built-in sharding and doesn’t rely on tables to store information. As such, any limitations in your database server will can simply be divided onto another server. This act eases the load on your memory restrictions while ensuring you can still add more data on-the-fly.

NoSQL databases have the ability to scale for just about any business model. A key component to their high performance is how they’re built to easily distribute read and write operations.

What does this feature mean for your business? The NoSQL database will quickly perform read and write operations on a single data entity, resulting in faster data availability for you. You can add features such as caching, sharding, and batch processing to speed up data retrieval more.

NoSQL databases are sometimes dubbed "schema-less databases" since they don’t rely on relational tables. Since these database models do best with unstructured or semi-structured data, they don’t need the same rigid approach as a relational database.

The biggest benefit of a schema-less design is being able to store any kind of data you want. You’re not limited by format or structure, so you can scale fast and retrieve data even faster.

An interesting feature of the NoSQL database is how it has fewer restrictions compared to relational databases. Its ability to handle large volumes of semi-structured data sets across multiple data models makes it flexible for all kinds of businesses.

This flexibility is invaluable for rapid development of new data as well as deployment.

A few of the data models you can use with a NoSQL database include:

• Document store
• Key-value store
• Wide-column store
• Column-family store
• Graph

In the next section you’ll learn about the different types of NoSQL databases and the types of business models they serve best.

Another major appeal of the NoSQL database are just how many data models it can support. Below are a few you can consider if you want to make the switch.

This type of data model is straightforward and stores data into simple documents. This model is best for data that uses XML, JSON, or BSON formats. Many businesses prefer this model since it doesn’t require a lot of translation, nor do schemas need to match every document.

On the other hand, the document store model doesn’t have the highest level of security. It has a higher risk of data corruption, so you may want to consider another model if data security is a concern.

Document databases work well for smaller businesses or businesses who rely on content marketing. InterSystems IRIS provides a document database (DocDB) that allows for the storage and retrieval of JSON documents in a schema-less environment. This flexibility enables developers to manage semi-structured data efficiently.

Many developers consider this data model the most simple way of using a NoSQL database. Whether or not it'll suit your needs depends on how you like to access dynamic data.

This model doesn’t require a schema and organizes each item into a key and a value. For example, an e-commerce skincare business could use this model to store shopping card IDs for customers. Each item, such as a bottle of lotion or lip balm, the customer puts into their cart has a value.

InterSystems IRIS supports key-value data storage, facilitating rapid access to data through unique keys, which is ideal for applications requiring quick retrieval of simple data structures.

This data model is interesting because it can shore up the weaknesses of document and key-value store models. It’s more effective at managing memory usage because it stores information into columns and only lets users access the data they need.

However, since it requires the use of very large data sets and multiple servers, it’s more complex to use. Established businesses have an easier time with wide-column store than start-ups or small business models.

This database model is well-known as one of the highest performing SQL databases thanks to its ability to easily distribute and replicate data. Its flexible schema organizes data into a nearly unlimited number of columns.

Businesses that deal with rapidly evolving data enjoy column-family stores for how easily it can expand with little effort. Some of the businesses that benefit most are any brand that needs real-time analytics or large-scale data warehousing.

InterSystems IRIS supports columnar storage, allowing data to be stored in columns rather than rows. This approach can significantly improve query performance, especially for analytical workloads.

Any business that needs to handle data across a variety of sources will likely use a graph database. While column-family stores store data into columns, graph databases use a mathematical graph approach to show connections between data.

Businesses that turn to graph databases are usually social networks or any brand that relies on recommendation systems, such as e-commerce. While InterSystems IRIS does not natively support graph databases, its flexible data model allows for the representation of graph-like structures using objects and relationships.

This NoSQL data model has a different way of storing data – instead of using disk-based databases, they store information on your hardware’s main memory. This approach results in much faster access to cached data.

InterSystems IRIS utilizes advanced caching and indexing techniques to optimize data access, and can be configured to work with a wide range of hardware configurations and operating systems.

While NoSQL databases are flexible enough for just about any business size or industry, there are common use cases. If you fit any of the criteria for the most popular business types below, it might be time to make the switch to flexible data models.

NoSQL databases are at their best when handling very large volumes of unstructured and semi-structured data. They’re incredibly effective at handling terabytes of data from sources such as social media or online transactions.

If you’re a business who relies on real-time analytics or IoT data storage, NoSQL will offer you unparalleled flexibility in your operations.

As the saying goes: content is king. Many businesses rely on a robust content marketing strategy to market their products and services across a variety of platforms.

One of the key components of an effective content marketing campaign is a variety of content, such as video, single images, and text posts. NoSQL databases do a fantastic job of handling various content types and are agile enough to manage dynamic content or metadata.

E-commerce platforms can be difficult to manage due to their high volumes of traffic and transactions. Thankfully, NoSQL databases are more than up to the task of managing dynamic and diverse data sets. From keeping records of transactions to storing user profiles, e-commerce platforms sometimes run better with this non-relational database model.

Last but not least, social networks often rely on NoSQL since they need to regularly query for dynamic data. Since social media operates at the speed of light and brings in many forms of valuable information, speed is essential. NoSQL databases are efficient at handling interconnected data sets, including user interactions or tracking buyer’s journeys.

Nearly 80% of businesses today say at least half of their data is unstructured. We’re always seeking to help businesses organize, store, and retrieve their data more efficiently.

InterSystems IRIS provides you with cutting-edge NoSQL databases to ensure you’re using your data to its peak efficiency. After storing your data once, you’ll be able to organize your data across documents, tables, vectors, objects, keyvals, and more.

This multidimensional access ensures you won’t need any storage allocation or upfront declarations to access your data structures.

Whether you run an e-commerce business or are a rapidly evolving social network, our multi-model support will adapt. Whether you’re more interested in a straightforward document database or need key-values, we’re keen on matching you with a custom solution.

What else can InterSystems IRIS do to help scale your business? Our products provide you with vertical scaling capabilities to ensure efficient memory management, reducing the costs needed to invest in more hardware.

However, we also provide horizontal scaling through our unique Enterprise Cache Protocol (ECP). This approach caches data on application servers, meeting the demand for user queries through a local application server cache. This horizontal data scaling is further streamlined through sharding to split up your data and allow you to scale across multiple machines.

Do you work with a large volume of people or business processes? Our sophisticated integration with existing systems and diverse data sources enable you to pivot quickly.

We save your developers time by providing built-in support for standard APIs. You can use InterSystems IRIS for industry-standard languages such as JavaScript, Java, Python, and more. We also provide support for other commonly used formats such as JSON and XML.

Our data management capabilities combined with our commitment to full lifecycle API management means you don’t have to abandon your existing infrastructure.

Which kinds of businesses rely on InterSystems IRIS to help their customers or clients? From healthcare to shipping and logistics, we’re always ready to tackle big problems and provide even bigger solutions.

One industry that benefits significantly from our NoSQL database management systems is telehealth. Leading healthcare companies such as 3M, Epic, and Roche Diagnostics depend on InterSystems for their data management needs.

Another industry we’re proud to support is in identity management. Providing accurate information at the right time is essential to delivering quality services or healthcare. When at least 70% of customers are unhappy with scheduling issues or unexplained bills, we ensure organizations maintain crucial information like names, numbers, and addresses.

NoSQL databases are a non-relational database management solution that works well for unstructured or semi-structured data. They’re a flexible data model that's well-suited to large businesses with rapidly evolving data or start-ups growing quickly.

Several industries today benefit from the flexibility, scalability, and security of NoSQL databases. They can also save money on updating their hardware with the aid of vertical scaling. No matter what you need, we're ready to help. We crafted InterSystems IRIS, a cloud-based data platform solution, with features such as NoSQL databases, machine learning, interoperability, and more.

We’re keen on providing the most advanced and secure NoSQL database capabilities so your business can keep growing. Try InterSystems IRIS today to start sharing and transforming your datasets.