Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB and Azure Database for PostgreSQL are two strong contenders in the cloud database market. Cosmos DB seems to have the upper hand with its multi-model NoSQL architecture providing scalability and flexibility across various applications.
Features: Cosmos DB offers scalability and flexibility with support for multiple data models and easy data ingestion. It provides multi-region replication, auto-scaling, and integrates seamlessly with Azure services. On the other hand, Azure Database for PostgreSQL is known for its robust networking capabilities and integration with AI features, making it ideal for applications requiring relational data and extensive integrations.
Room for Improvement: Cosmos DB faces challenges with complex pricing models and API compatibility. Users call for improved documentation and better query functionalities. Performance and integration enhancements are desirable. PostgreSQL, meanwhile, requires faster scaling and augmented monitoring tools. Improvement in anomaly detection and product dynamism are also seen as potential enhancements.
Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cosmos DB operates primarily on the public cloud and is praised for easy deployment, although customer service experiences vary. PostgreSQL supports both hybrid and on-premises setups, offering deployment flexibility. Its customer support is generally rated satisfactory, with good responsiveness and effectiveness in resolving issues.
Pricing and ROI: Cosmos DB's pricing is often seen as complex. Although users find it cost-effective when managed well, the pay-as-you-go model can be confusing. PostgreSQL benefits from a straightforward pricing model that allows for scalable operations, helping in better managing database expenditures. Both products can offer a return on investment, with Cosmos DB reducing the need for extensive engineering resources and PostgreSQL lowering hardware investments.
It offers at least 25 percent cost savings compared to maintaining on-premises databases.
Now, we use embedded PostgreSQL vectors, which will undoubtedly reduce the TCO by using a much more cost-effective solution.
We've reduced our total ownership cost because we are not spending on expensive SQL server licenses.
Getting an MVP of that project would have taken six to eight months, but because we had an active choice of using Azure Cosmos DB and other related cloud-native services of Azure, we were able to get to an MVP stage in a matter of weeks, which is six weeks.
You can react quickly and trim down the specs, memory, RAM, storage size, etc. It can save about 20% of the costs.
When I have done comparisons or cost calculations, I have sometimes personally seen as much as 25% to 30% savings.
Once we open a support case, we have people engaged within about 20 minutes, especially for a Sev 1 issue.
The documentation and training we've received through Microsoft Learn on how to migrate, deploy, and manage the solution is exceptional.
We handle most implementations in-house, without extensive reliance on Microsoft's technical support.
Premier Support has deteriorated compared to what it used to be, especially for small to medium-sized customers like ours.
The response was quick.
I would rate customer service and support a nine out of ten.
However, we can see how well it scales after we deploy it for some large enterprise customers or big government organizations.
The scaling options with FlexServer provide us with the flexibility we need based on application complexity.
We can scale up compute and scale it down, but once storage is allocated, there is no way to scale it back down.
The system scales up capacity when needed and scales down when not in use, preventing unnecessary expenses.
We like that it can auto-scale to demand, ensuring we only pay for what we use.
We have had no issues with its ability to search through large amounts of data.
There is a stability issue where, if the database usage peaks quickly, it may crash and require intervention to restore functionality.
We have generative AI applications, and we have not noticed any latency.
Overall, I have not encountered any real latency issues or stability concerns.
We have multiple availability zones, so nothing goes down.
Azure Cosmos DB would be a good choice if you have to deploy your application in a limited time frame and you want to auto-scale the database across different applications.
I would rate it a ten out of ten in terms of availability and latency.
It does not presently support knowledge graph functionalities as Neo4j does.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL can be improved by allowing quicker scaling without blips.
I believe there could be improvements in the mirroring part and Change Data Capture (CDC).
We must ensure data security remains the top priority.
You have to monitor the Request Units.
The first one is the ability to assign role-based access control through the Azure portal for accounts to have contributor rights.
We've reduced costs by 60 percent compared to maintaining on-premises solutions.
The pay-as-you-go pricing model positively affects database-related costs by allowing us to start small and scale as needed.
The pay-as-you-go model works well for us.
Initially, it seemed like an expensive way to manage a NoSQL data store, but so many improvements that have been made to the platform have made it cost-effective.
Cosmos DB is expensive, and the RU-based pricing model is confusing.
Cosmos DB is great compared to other databases because we can reduce the cost while doing the same things.
My takeaway as a CTO is that they're comfortable with the security posture, the features, the observability, alerts, and now it integrates into the rest of the Azure landscape.
The query analyzers help me find out what's happening in each of the queries.
The most valuable features of Azure Database for PostgreSQL are its networking capabilities, which allow for integration with other Azure services.
The most valuable feature of Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB is its real-time analytics capabilities, which allow for turnaround times in milliseconds.
Performance and security are valuable features, particularly when using Cosmos DB for MongoDB emulation and NoSQL.
The performance and scaling capabilities of Cosmos DB are excellent, allowing it to handle large workloads compared to other services such as Azure AI Search.
Azure Database for PostgreSQL is a robust cloud solution designed to host scalable applications, manage large datasets, enable advanced analytics, and ensure data integrity through strong security features and automated backups.
Many utilize Azure Database for PostgreSQL due to its seamless integration with other Azure services and ease of setup. It supports advanced analytics and data warehousing with powerful querying capabilities. Users appreciate its high availability, automated backups, and strong security measures like advanced threat protection and encryption. Azure Database for PostgreSQL's compatibility with standard PostgreSQL ensures a smooth migration process and minimal disruption to existing applications. However, some areas needing improvement include scalability, performance under heavy loads, monitoring tools, integration with other services, documentation, support response times, and stability during peak times. Pricing is also considered high by smaller businesses.
What are the most important features of Azure Database for PostgreSQL?
What benefits and ROI should users look for?
In healthcare, Azure Database for PostgreSQL is often implemented to manage and analyze large patient datasets while ensuring data security and compliance with regulations. E-commerce companies utilize it to handle scalable transactions and customer data management, leveraging its integration with data analytics tools. Financial institutions employ it to securely store and process large volumes of financial data, relying on its robust security and automated backups.
Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB is a globally distributed, multi-model database service providing scalability, user-friendliness, and seamless integration, suitable for managing large volumes of structured and unstructured data across diverse applications.
Azure Cosmos DB is renowned for its scalability, stability, and ease of integration, offering robust support for multiple data models and APIs. Its capacity for handling unstructured data efficiently and providing real-time analytics makes it ideal for applications requiring high performance and global distribution. With features like automatic failover and integration with Microsoft products, users benefit from cost optimization and secure data handling. Enhancement opportunities include simplifying queries, improving documentation, and expanding backup and analytics functionalities.
What are the most important features of Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB?Azure Cosmos DB is frequently used in sectors like web, mobile, IoT, and analytics. It supports applications as a key-value store, processes real-time data, and enables global scalability with low-latency access. Its big data management capabilities and integration with Azure services enhance its utility across industries.
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