Database Offerings 2024: Understanding NoSQL-Based Options

• Azure NoSQL offerings address a functional gap in Microsoft’s traditional database products for semi-structured data such as documents.
• Most are based on open-source technologies, providing a lower-cost destination than using Microsoft technology.
• They only support the open-source features and capabilities that Microsoft deems important, which may not meet customer requirements.
• Pilot programs and an understanding of the features and limitations are critical for successful deployments.

The database management landscape for NoSQL offerings includes four Azure services: Azure Cosmos DB, Azure Managed Instance for Cassandra, OneLake, and Azure Storage Tables. They provide an alternative to Microsoft’s proprietary SQL Server product family and other relational databases, such as Oracle. However, they differ in purpose, data types supported, compatibility with the native open-source products, and support for hybrid deployments. Although Cosmos DB is a stable service with broad support, others may better address specific scenarios, scaling needs, or cost concerns, and customers should understand each offering to determine the best fit for their needs.