Azure DocumentDB, a JSON Document Database Service

Azure DocumentDB is a hosted NoSQL (Not Only SQL) database service that addresses the growing demand for Web and mobile applications that need a flexible data schema and to work across platforms. The service uses JSON (Java Script Object Notation) documents, a popular NoSQL format, and it includes global scaling features, which makes it well suited for IoT workloads and intensive multiuser applications. Other features include programming interfaces for popular languages, automated deployment options, and the ability to access data in the service using familiar SQL Server commands and tools, which could accelerate adoption by organizations new to JSON.

NoSQL, JSON Document Database Management

DocumentDB uses the JSON storage format for its NoSQL service. JSON is a text data format derived from JavaScript, often called schema-less or semi-structured. It has gained popularity for use in applications that require a flexible data schema and need to store data on multiple OSs and devices such as Web and mobile applications. JSON plays a role similar to XML but is terser, less complex, and easier to parse and generate.