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MongoDB

AWS DynamoDB vs. MongoDB

NoSQL (non SQL) databases are the current standard for modern web applications involving big data. It has proven adept in storage and retrieval of various data structure types, whether the data is structured or not. Lacking the requirements of predefined schema, applications with NoSQL develop faster, allow modifications in real-time, and require minimal overhead. With ease of scaling, multiple industries have found widespread use.

MongoDB Benefits

MongoDB is incredibly flexible in how it can be deployed, including on-site and in the cloud. It has data validation rules and cloud monitoring that are incredibly suitable inside of a cloud-based web application.

  • Supports automated sharding and horizontal scaling for optimal location of data. This is particularly beneficial for low-latency writes globally.
  • High-availability clusters allow for constant uptime with availability almost all the time for all cloud providers.
  • At least three data nodes per replica set are deployed by default across all AWS availability zones to help ensure accessibility and uptime.
  • Optimal for JSON format, especially in document databases.
  • Minimize latency since more complex queries are executed locally.
  • Extensive monitoring dashboard for keeping tabs on performance.

Amazon DynamoDB Benefits

DynamoDB is the AWS local solution, meaning the simplification of management and implementation as well as removing the need to physically upkeep servers. It is a key-value and document database, good for low-latency data access across industries such as retail, IoT, and various forms of entertainment media. It currently remains the biggest component in some of the biggest AWS customers’ applications, like Netflix and Nike.

  • Tables automatically replicate data to distribute the application globally across select access zones. This allows for read and write changes in milliseconds.
  • Like all other AWS services, it scales tables up and down to adjust for anticipated capacity and maintain performance.
  • Almost constant monthly uptime across each AWS region.
  • Capable of supporting 10+ trillion requests per day and 20+ million requests per second.
  • Capable of backing up millions of terabytes without negatively impacting performance.

Comparison Considerations

Across all factors, MongoDB and DynamoDB are comparable in their capacity to handle NoSQL-based applications as well as the internally-focused tools they have implemented. MongoDB comes with extensive performance monitoring capabilities, easily scales horizontally, and already runs on multiple common cloud services, including but not limited to Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). For businesses that are looking to develop and manage applications in multi-cloud environments, it’s the more direct option.

On the other hand, businesses that are invested in AWS or are planning to be invested and need a NoSQL solution, DynamoDB is the better choice. Because DynamoDB is native to AWS, that means updates are automated and integration is much less of an issue. With the automated scaling that is standard among AWS services, costs will be heavily optimized to better fit operational expenditures.

Regardless of which NoSQL solution appears to be more optimal for an application’s needs, the decision is ultimately dependent on how the app itself is constructed. Either solution will prove significantly better with the aid of a solutions architect to give insight into how the business is immigrated to the cloud. Regardless of whether MongoDB or DynamoDB is chosen, neither will be a significant improvement over the other if both solutions are implemented poorly and immigration to the cloud is done haphazardly.

Dolan Cleary
Dolan Cleary

I am a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and am now working with AllCode as a web technician. Currently working within the marketing department.

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