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Database as a service

Database as a service definition

Database as a service (DBaaS) refers to a cloud computing service model that allows users, such as app developers, to use databases via the cloud. This way, users can store and manage their databases without setting up physical hardware or managing the database themselves.

While in most real-world applications, you combine DBaaS with other services, such as storage and backup, you can also use it as a standalone service. Companies of all sizes use DBaaS due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and reduced administrative overhead.

See also: hardware as a service, storage as a service, backup as a service

Database as a service use cases

  • Web apps. It is commonly used to store and manage data for web applications, which ensures that the website is accessible even when traffic fluctuates.
  • Development. It helps developers and QA teams reduce setup times and costs when creating multiple databases for testing.
  • Backup. Storing database backups in the cloud through DBaaS ensures data recovery in case of hardware failures or disasters.

Database as a service examples

  • Amazon RDS. Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers RDS as a DBaaS that supports various relational database engines like MySQL, PostgreSQL, and Oracle.
  • Microsoft Azure SQL database. Microsoft's Azure SQL database is a popular DBaaS, helping users deploy and manage SQL server databases in the cloud more easily.