How do I choose the best AWS database for my application?

Do you know how to choose the perfect AWS database for your application and save up to 80% on your infrastructure costs? Too good to be true? Read more in today's blog post.

There's an database for virtually any project you can imagine. The key is to correctly understand their features and discover which one meets your needs.

AWS database options , how do you know exactly what you need? We know this can be difficult, so we've compiled the main benefits of each with practical examples.

AWS database types

The first step in choosing your AWS database is understanding that there are two main types: relational databases and non-relational databases.

The relational database , for example, works with structured data, systematically organized into tables, and uses Structured Query Language (SQL) for its application programming interface, which promotes predictability and usability.

This type of AWS database is recommended for applications that require layered access and/or where data integrity is absolutely paramount. Some examples include banking, finance, and healthcare applications.

In a non-relational database , also known as NoSQL, the data is unstructured. With its ability to scale horizontally, this AWS database is recommended for those who need to handle large volumes of data with agility and flexibility.

• Read also – What types of databases are available on AWS?

4 questions that can help you choose your AWS database

Now that you know the different types of AWS databases , it's time to think about the specific needs of your application. How do you do that? One way to start is by answering the questions below:

• Do you need a fixed or flexible data structure?
• Do you deal with large or small amounts of data?
• How volatile is your data?
• How accurate are you with invalid data being sent to your AWS database ?

By answering these questions, you can define the essential characteristics for your database. Remember that there is no AWS database Amazon Web Services solutions . Let's understand the individual demands?

Transactional applications

• Need: to store structured data and record transactions made by users.
• Characteristics of the ideal database: extra layer of security, data encryption, and network isolation. High availability and ease of management.
• Recommended AWS database Amazon Aurora , which is one of the RDS options and offers better performance and availability, as it can be deployed across multiple Availability Zones. Another good option is Amazon Relational Database Service , which allows you to scale, operate, and configure relational databases in the cloud.

Applications at the Internet scale

• Requirements: to store structured and unstructured data, perform at scale, and have low latency.
• Characteristics of the ideal database: automation of operational tasks, scalability, and consistent performance.
• Recommended AWS Database Amazon DynamoDB.

Real-time applications

• Requirement: high data storage capacity and low latency.
• Characteristics of the ideal database: maximum performance, self-managed, and scalable.
• Recommended AWS Database : Amazon ElastiCache.

Applications that require highly connected data

• Requirements: graphical database, highly connected data, and low latency.
• Characteristics of an ideal database: high availability, backup , and multiple security levels.
• Recommended AWS Database : Amazon Neptune.

These are just a few database options on Amazon Web Services (AWS). For a detailed comparison of AWS databases , click here .

Need help choosing your AWS database

If you still have doubts about which AWS database for your application, we'll help you! In addition, for the rest of your application, you can save on infrastructure costs by using Sky.Saver .

This cost saving allows you to invest in solutions that meet your performance, security, and scalability needs. With a technical team supporting you every step of the way, you can enjoy all the advantages of EC2 instances at the price of SPOT machines.

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Written by Skyone